Weather
Central Pennsylvania Weather Alert: Lows Near 28° Oct 24-25
State College, PA – A sharp contrast between chilly mornings and comfortable afternoons is developing across the State College area this weekend, with temperatures expected to fall as low as 28 degree
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-23T10:42:39.625Z
State College, PA – A sharp contrast between chilly mornings and comfortable afternoons is developing across the State College area this weekend, with temperatures expected to fall as low as 28 degrees before rebounding into the 60s. Widespread frost and patchy fog are forecast for Saturday and Sunday mornings, creating concerns for sensitive vegetation and potentially reducing visibility during early travel. By Monday, October 26, afternoon temperatures could reach 69 degrees, producing a substantial warmup from the weekend's coldest overnight readings.
According to the National Weather Service, widespread frost is expected mainly after 3 a.m. Saturday, October 24, as temperatures fall to approximately 29 degrees. Patchy fog could develop before 4 a.m. and return after 5 a.m., adding another consideration for motorists traveling before sunrise. Conditions should improve through Saturday morning, with sunshine eventually pushing afternoon temperatures toward 60 degrees.
Freezing Temperatures Threaten Sensitive Plants The coldest conditions are expected early Sunday, October 25, when temperatures could drop to approximately 28 degrees around State College. Widespread frost is forecast mainly after 4 a.m., accompanied by patchy fog developing after 3 a.m. The combination of clear skies, calm winds and temperatures below freezing could expose unprotected flowers, vegetables and other sensitive plants to damage.
Residents across the State College area and surrounding portions of Centre County should consider protecting vulnerable outdoor plants before temperatures fall Friday and Saturday nights. Bringing container plants indoors or covering sensitive vegetation can help reduce exposure. Although the forecast supports widespread frost, the supplied National Weather Service information does not identify a separate Frost Advisory or Freeze Warning for this location.
Morning Fog Could Affect Weekend Travel Drivers using Interstate 99, U.S. Route 322 and local roads around State College may encounter areas of reduced visibility during the early morning hours. Patchy fog is forecast both Saturday and Sunday, particularly before sunrise. Conditions can vary significantly across valleys and higher terrain, making it important to adjust speeds when visibility decreases.
The daytime forecast offers a considerably different picture. Saturday should become sunny with a high near 60 degrees and light, variable winds. Sunday follows with another sunny afternoon and temperatures reaching approximately 63 degrees. The improvement should provide favorable conditions for outdoor activities once the early morning frost and fog have cleared.
Friday, October 23, provides the transition into the colder weekend pattern, with sunny skies and an afternoon high near 60 degrees. Early observations at State College Regional Airport showed a temperature of 46 degrees at 5:53 a.m. EDT, with fair skies and a northeast wind around 5 mph. Those conditions precede the more significant nighttime cooling expected over the following two mornings.
Monday Warmup Brings Noticeable Relief By Monday, October 26, temperatures are expected to climb near 69 degrees under sunny skies. That afternoon high would be approximately 41 degrees warmer than Sunday's projected morning low, although the change develops over more than a full day rather than occurring suddenly. Monday night temperatures should remain above freezing near 38 degrees.
The remainder of the available outlook suggests relatively quiet weather, with Tuesday reaching 62 degrees and Wednesday approaching 60 degrees. Thursday could bring another mild afternoon near 65 degrees. No significant rainfall, accumulating snow or major storm system is identified in the supplied forecast through October 29.
For central Pennsylvania residents, the immediate priority is protecting sensitive vegetation and preparing for potentially foggy morning travel before warmer afternoons return.
Are you preparing your garden for the weekend frost, or looking forward to Monday's warmer temperatures?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/23: Sunny skies and light northeast winds accompany an afternoon high near 60 degrees, followed by mostly clear conditions, patchy fog and widespread frost after 3 a.m. Saturday as temperatures fall to approximately 29 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Widespread frost and patchy fog are expected before 9 a.m., followed by sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees; calm conditions continue Saturday night as temperatures fall near 28 degrees with additional frost developing.
Sunday 10/25: Patchy fog and widespread frost are expected before 9 a.m., followed by sunshine and an afternoon high near 63 degrees; mostly clear skies return Sunday night with temperatures dropping to approximately 31 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Sunny skies and a high near 69 degrees bring the warmest afternoon of the five day period, providing substantial relief from the weekend's freezing mornings; mostly clear conditions follow Monday night with a low near 38 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Mostly sunny skies accompany an afternoon high near 62 degrees, with temperatures cooling toward 34 degrees Tuesday night beneath partly cloudy skies; no precipitation probability is specified in the supplied forecast.
Extended Weather Outlook Wednesday, October 28, is expected to bring partly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 60 degrees. Mostly cloudy conditions develop Wednesday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 38 degrees.
Thursday, October 29, should be mostly sunny with a high near 65 degrees.
The available forecast does not identify a significant storm system or accumulating snowfall through Thursday. No additional six to 10 day outlook guidance was supplied.