You’ve seen the gray skies creeping in. Honestly, the vibe across Pennsylvania right now is that classic mid-January waiting game. We are sitting on the edge of a significant temperature drop, and the weather this weekend in PA is shaping up to be a messy transition from "chilly" to "downright brutal."
If you have plans to hit the PA Turnpike or just run to the grocery store in State College, you need to look at Saturday very closely. It isn't just about a few flakes.
The Saturday Setup: Snow Squalls and Slick Roads
Let’s talk about Saturday, January 17. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh and State College has been busy. They’ve already issued Winter Weather Advisories for a good chunk of the northwest mountains and the Laurel Highlands. We're looking at a system crossing the Great Lakes that’s going to dump 3 to 6 inches in places like Warren, McKean, and Somerset.
But for the rest of us? It's the squalls.
A "snow squall" sounds like a fancy word for a flurry, but it's actually way more dangerous. Think of it like a thunderstorm, but with snow. You’re driving along, the road is dry, and thirty seconds later, you can’t see the hood of your car. The air temperature is going to hover right around freezing—about 32°F to 35°F—which means if a heavy burst of snow hits, it can cause a "flash freeze." Basically, the rain or slush on the pavement turns into a sheet of ice instantly.
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- Northwest PA: Expect 3–5 inches through Saturday night.
- The Ridges/Laurels: Higher elevations could see up to 6 inches.
- I-99 to US-15 Corridor: This is the prime zone for those sudden afternoon squalls.
Philadelphia and the Southeast: Rain to Snow?
Over in Philly and the surrounding suburbs, things are a bit different. On Saturday, it’s looking more like a cold, soaking rain with highs reaching about 41°F. It’s gross. It’s damp. It’s that raw Pennsylvania winter air that gets into your bones.
However, keep an eye on Sunday morning. As the arctic front pushes through, that rain is likely to flip over to light snow. We aren't talking about a "bread and milk" blizzard here, but a coating to an inch is totally possible before the sky clears out.
The "Arctic Blast" Coming Monday
The weekend is really just the opening act for what’s happening early next week. By Sunday night, the bottom falls out of the thermometer.
By Monday and Tuesday, we are looking at the coldest air mass of the season. We’re talking wind chills between -10°F and -20°F across the Commonwealth. If you're out late Sunday night or early Monday morning, the wind is going to be gusting up to 30 mph. It’s the kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze the second you step outside.
Real-World Advice for PA Drivers
If you’re traveling between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg this weekend, remember that the weather changes fast when you cross the mountains. You might leave a sunny-ish Pittsburgh and drive straight into a wall of white in the Laurel Highlands.
- Check the cams. Use the 511PA website before you put the car in gear.
- Fill the tank. If you get stuck behind a jackknifed semi on I-80, you want plenty of gas to keep the heater running.
- Watch the bridges. They freeze way before the actual road does.
The weather this weekend in PA is a classic example of why we keep ice scrapers in our trunks until May. It's unpredictable, it's messy, and it’s about to get very, very cold. Stay safe out there.
Next Steps for Your Weekend:
Check your local NWS office (PBZ for Pittsburgh, CTP for State College, or PHI for Philly) on Saturday morning for updated squall warnings, and make sure your outdoor pipes are insulated before the sub-zero wind chills arrive on Monday.