Honestly, if you're looking at the forecast for Christiana, you're probably seeing a lot of "cloudy" or "partly sunny" right now. But here’s the thing—January in Lancaster County isn't just about the grey skies. It’s actually a pretty wild ride. Right now, on this Friday night, January 16, 2026, it is 31°F outside. But if you step out, it’s going to feel more like 23°F. That south wind at 10 mph is doing just enough to bite through a light jacket.
You’ve probably heard that Pennsylvania winters are "predictable." They aren't.
The Heavy Snow Storm Hitting Saturday
Most people think a 31-degree night means everything is frozen solid. Not exactly. We’re actually heading into a messy Saturday. The forecast for January 17, 2026, is calling for a heavy snow storm. We’re looking at a high of 39°F, which sounds warm for snow, but the precipitation chance is sitting at a heavy 62% during the day.
Basically, it's going to be that heavy, wet slush that breaks plastic shovels.
The humidity is jumping up to 72% tomorrow. When you combine that with a south wind of 11 mph, the air is going to feel thick and cold. By Saturday night, the chance of snow drops to 25%, and the temperature settles back down to 31°F. If you have to be out on the roads near the gap or heading toward Atglen, Saturday morning is going to be the window you want to avoid.
Why the Sunday Drop Matters
Sunday, January 18, brings a shift. The wind flips. We go from a southerly flow to a northwest wind at 11 mph. This is that classic "cold front" movement. The high will only hit 32°F, and the low is going to bottom out at 18°F.
Wait, it gets colder.
By Tuesday, January 20, we are looking at a high of only 22°F and a low of 14°F. That is a massive swing from the 39-degree "warmth" of the Saturday snowstorm. If you're managing a property or just trying to keep your pipes from freezing, Tuesday is the day that actually poses the most risk, even though it's going to be sunny.
Christiana Weather: The Long Game
Living here means knowing that the "wettest" month historically is actually September, usually thanks to tropical remnants, but the winter is where the real drama happens. According to local climate data, January usually averages a low of about 25°F. We are currently trending a bit colder than that with these 14°F and 15°F lows predicted for early next week.
- Current Temp: 31°F (Feels like 23°F)
- Wind: 10 mph South
- Saturday Peak: 39°F with Heavy Snow (62% chance)
- Tuesday Deep Freeze: Low of 14°F
If you’re planning a trip to the area, or maybe just a Saturday grocery run, you need to account for the "feels like" factor. Pennsylvania humidity makes 30 degrees feel a lot different than 30 degrees in a dry climate like Colorado. It lingers. It gets into your bones.
What You Should Do Right Now
First, clear your Saturday schedule if you can. That heavy snow storm isn't something to mess with when the temps are hovering right around freezing—it creates that dangerous layer of ice under the slush. Second, check your antifreeze and salt supplies before Monday. Once that temperature hits 14°F on Tuesday, any slush left over from Saturday is going to turn into concrete.
Actually, just make sure you have a decent shovel ready for tomorrow morning. You’re going to need it.
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Keep an eye on the wind direction. When it stays south, like it is tonight, we get moisture. When it hits that northwest stride on Sunday, the dry, arctic air moves in. That’s the pattern. Simple, but it catches people off guard every single year.
Make sure your outdoor spigots are covered before Monday night. With a low of 15°F on Monday and 14°F on Tuesday, that’s deep-freeze territory for exposed plumbing. Salt your walkways late Saturday night before the temperature drops to 31°F and stays there, or you'll be chipping at ice for the rest of the week.