Weather
State College, PA Weather Oct. 16–20: Frost, Then 60s Return
State College, PA Central Pennsylvania faces a significant shift toward colder autumn weather this weekend, with widespread frost expected around State College early Sunday as temperatures fall to app
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-14T09:42:44.836Z
State College, PA Central Pennsylvania faces a significant shift toward colder autumn weather this weekend, with widespread frost expected around State College early Sunday as temperatures fall to approximately 32 degrees following Friday's rain.
According to the National Weather Service, the transition begins Friday with showers and possibly a thunderstorm before colder air settles over Centre County and the surrounding State College area.
The forecast calls for a 90% chance of precipitation Friday, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 73 degrees. Southwest winds of 9 to 17 mph are expected to shift westward during the afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching 29 mph.
By Friday night, temperatures are expected to plunge to around 36 degrees, a sharp change from the day's mild conditions.
Widespread Frost Expected Sunday Morning Saturday will bring a noticeable cooldown, with sunshine returning but afternoon temperatures struggling to reach 51 degrees in State College.
The colder conditions become more significant Saturday night into Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service specifically forecasts widespread frost, mainly after 3 a.m. Sunday, as temperatures fall to approximately 32 degrees.
That combination could threaten sensitive outdoor plants and late season gardens, particularly in areas where temperatures reach freezing.
Residents with vulnerable vegetation may want to take protective measures before Saturday night.
Frost is also forecast Sunday morning, mainly before 9 a.m., with another opportunity for patchy frost early Monday.
Sunshine Returns as Temperatures Recover Despite the chilly mornings, the colder stretch should not last long.
Sunday afternoon temperatures are expected to rebound to approximately 60 degrees under sunny skies, offering a more comfortable finish to the weekend.
Monday continues the recovery, with mostly sunny conditions and temperatures reaching the middle 60s.
By Tuesday, afternoon temperatures should approach 66 degrees, marking a 15 degree improvement from Saturday's expected high.
The transition follows a broader weather pattern described by NOAA's Weather Prediction Center, which expects strong Canadian high pressure to bring colder conditions into portions of the central United States late this week.
For State College and nearby Centre County communities, the most important development is the arrival of freezing temperatures and widespread frost early Sunday, followed by a gradual return to milder afternoons.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for State College, illustrating the expected pattern in the Centre County area. Conditions elsewhere across central Pennsylvania may vary.
Friday, Oct. 16: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, with a 90% chance of precipitation. High near 73°F. Southwest winds shifting west, gusting to 29 mph. Showers mainly before 8 p.m., with an overnight low around 36°F. Saturday, Oct. 17: Sunny and noticeably cooler, with a high near 51°F. Mostly clear overnight, with widespread frost developing mainly after 3 a.m. Low around 32°F. Sunday, Oct. 18: Widespread frost mainly before 9 a.m., followed by sunshine. High near 60°F. Mostly clear overnight, with patchy frost possible after 4 a.m. Low around 34°F. Monday, Oct. 19: Areas of morning frost, followed by mostly sunny skies. High near 64°F. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 40°F. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Partly sunny and milder, with a high near 66°F.