You’ve probably seen those glossy brochures of the Pocono Mountains looking like a pristine Swiss Alp postcard. But honestly, if you’re actually planning a trip here, you know the reality is a lot messier—and way more interesting.
The weather forecast for the poconos right now is basically a tug-of-war between a lingering "January thaw" and a brutal Arctic front that's currently screaming down from Canada. If you're looking at the window today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, it’s a bit of a gray soup.
We’re sitting at a steady 30°F, though with that southwest wind kicking at 9 mph, it feels more like 21°F. It's that classic "damp cold" that gets right into your bones if you aren't wearing the right layers.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow, Slush, and Sudden Freezes
Right now, we've got light snow showers moving through. The ground is already seeing about 2 inches of fresh accumulation from overnight, and the local forecast suggests we might tack on another 1 to 3 inches before the sun goes down.
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Here’s the thing about the Poconos: the elevation changes everything.
While it might be a drizzly mess down in Stroudsburg, up at the higher peaks like Jack Frost or Big Boulder, it’s a legitimate winter wonderland. Today’s high is barely scraping 32°F, which is the magic number for keeping that snow from turning into a slushy nightmare on the roads.
The Week Ahead (Brace Yourself)
If you’re coming up for a mid-week getaway, pack the heavy-duty parka. Seriously.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Highs drop to around 28°F with lingering flurries.
- Monday, Jan 19: This is when the "Polar Vortex" vibe really hits. We're looking at a high of only 15°F and a low that could plunge to 5°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Even colder. High of 8°F. Yes, single digits.
Why the 2026 Season is Acting So Weird
We are currently navigating a weak La Niña winter. For the Poconos, that usually means a lot of "Miller-B" type storms. These are the ones that redevelop along the coast and can be notoriously hard to predict.
Sometimes they dump two feet of powder; other times, they just give us a "wintry mix"—which is just a polite way of saying "freezing rain that makes driving a disaster."
According to long-range outlooks from groups like PA Weather Plus, this winter is seeing colder-than-average temperatures but slightly below-average total precipitation. Basically, it’s cold enough to freeze your eyelashes, but we’re having to work harder for the big snow dumps.
Tips for Surviving the Poconos Transition
If you're heading to the slopes, the conditions are actually pretty decent right now despite the lack of a "monster" storm.
Mountain reports from places like Seven Springs and Hidden Valley show a base depth of anywhere from 12 to 24 inches. They’ve been aggressive with the snowmaking whenever the mercury dips.
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Since temperatures are expected to crater on Monday and Tuesday, the snowmaking guns will be going full tilt. This means Wednesday could be a "sleeper" day for great skiing, as temperatures rebound slightly to the upper 20s and more natural light snow is expected in the afternoon.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the specific elevation: Don't just look at "Poconos weather." Look at the specific town or resort. A 1,000-foot difference in elevation can mean the difference between rain and a 4-inch snow accumulation.
- Watch the Monday plunge: If you're driving home Monday evening, be aware that any dampness on the roads from today's snow will flash-freeze as we hit those single-digit lows.
- Layering is a science: With wind gusts often hitting 35+ mph on the ridges, a windbreaker shell over your fleece is more important than the thickness of the fleece itself.
- Track the Wednesday system: Early guidance suggests another inch or two of "refresher" snow by Wednesday afternoon, making it the best day for outdoor activities before things potentially dry out toward the end of next week.
The Poconos in January is a game of timing. If you can stomach the single-digit temperatures coming early next week, you'll likely find some of the best-groomed, firmest trails of the season. Just don't forget the hand warmers.