Pennsylvania – The cold is immediate and unforgiving this morning, biting exposed skin within minutes as icy air pours through central Pennsylvania valleys. Streetlights glow over frozen pavement, and every breath feels sharp under an extreme February chill.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, temperatures dropped to around 2°F before sunrise, while wind chills plunged as low as −25°F. An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until mid-morning, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Conditions remain hazardous through the early hours. Winds gust near 20 mph at times, worsening the cold stress. Travel is possible, but drivers should be prepared for vehicles that struggle to start and slick patches where earlier snow compacted and refroze. Pedestrians should limit time outdoors and cover all exposed skin.
By later this morning, sunshine helps, but relief is slow. Highs only reach the mid-teens, keeping the air dangerous for prolonged exposure. Tonight stays brutally cold again, with temperatures dropping below zero in spots and wind chills remaining well below zero.
Improvement begins Monday. Highs rebound into the mid-20s under mostly sunny skies, easing the immediate danger. The warming trend strengthens Tuesday, when temperatures climb into the upper 30s, a noticeable shift after days of Arctic cold. Winds relax, and conditions feel more manageable for travel and outdoor activity.
Midweek stays seasonably cold but quieter. Wednesday holds near the mid-30s before another cold night. No major snow systems appear imminent, though February remains active across the region.
Looking ahead into the 6–10 day window, broader signals suggest above-normal temperatures developing across much of the eastern U.S. That pattern hints at a gradual thaw later next week, even as winter hangs on in the higher terrain.
For now, stay indoors if possible, check on neighbors, and dress in layers if you must go out. How cold did it feel when you stepped outside this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for State College, Pennsylvania
• Today: Mostly sunny, extreme cold, high 15°F
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high 26°F
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 37°F
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 34°F
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 29°F
