You’ve stepped outside today and probably felt that sharp, unmistakable bite of January. It’s the kind of cold that doesn't just sit on your skin; it settles into your bones. Honestly, if you were expecting a mild winter break, the weather today in PA has other plans.
Pennsylvania is currently caught in the grip of a classic Arctic surge. While the morning started with a bit of a tease—some clear skies in certain pockets—the reality is much grittier. Right now, it's roughly 33°F across much of the state, but with the wind coming out of the southwest at 6 mph, it feels more like 27°F. That's a big difference when you're walking the dog or scraping ice off a windshield.
Why Today Feels Different
Most people think "cloudy" just means a gray sky. Kinda boring, right? But today, those clouds are heavy with intent. We are seeing a 25% chance of snow showers during the day, which might not sound like much until you factor in the localized snow squalls that have been popping up.
The National Weather Service and PennDOT have been all over this. They aren't just being dramatic. These squalls are short, intense bursts that can drop visibility to near zero in seconds. One minute you’re driving fine on I-81 or the Turnpike, and the next, you’re in a whiteout. It’s that "suddenness" that makes the weather today in PA actually dangerous for anyone on the road.
The Numbers You Actually Care About
Let's get into the specifics.
✨ Don't miss: Colegios electorales por estado: lo que realmente decide quién llega a la Casa Blanca
The high for today is topping out at 39°F, which sounds almost reasonable until you realize we’re sliding down into a low of 28°F tonight. Humidity is hanging out at 69%, making the air feel thick and damp. It’s that "wet cold" that Pennsylvanians know all too well.
- Current Temp: 33°F
- Wind Chill: 27°F
- High/Low: 39°F / 28°F
- Precipitation: 25% chance of snow, mainly as showers or squalls.
If you’re out toward Seven Springs or the Laurel Highlands, you’re already seeing the "good" side of this. They’ve reported fresh powder and are looking at a Winter Weather Advisory through 7 p.m. with an extra 1 to 3 inches possible. It's a tale of two states: a headache for commuters in Harrisburg or York, but a win for the ski resorts.
Understanding the Snow Squall Risk
What most people get wrong about the weather today in PA is underestimating the wind. Even at 9 mph, those gusts are carrying an Arctic front that originated way up in the Midwest. This isn't just a local flurry. It’s the edge of a polar vortex disruption.
Experts like Justin Berk have been pointing out that the timing of these snow bursts is tricky. The ground is cold enough that even a "slushy" mix can freeze into a literal sheet of ice if the sun stays hidden. And it will stay hidden. The UV index is a flat 1 today. Basically, the sun is just a suggestion at this point.
Real-World Impacts
We’ve already seen the consequences of these conditions. Earlier today, a vehicle crashed into a porch in York City on Pennsylvania Avenue. While we don't know every detail, the slick roads and reduced visibility from these passing showers are the prime suspects. PennDOT is literally begging people to slow down and turn on their headlights. Not just the "auto" lights—your actual headlights—so people behind you can see your tail lights through the haze.
Looking Toward Tonight
As we move into the evening, those "cloudy" skies transition into actual snow showers. The chance remains around 25%, but the temperature drop means whatever falls is going to stick.
Tomorrow looks even colder. We're talking highs in the low 20s and lows in the teens. So, if you think today is brisk, just wait. The deep-winter cold is officially settling in for a stay, and it doesn't look like it's checking out until at least Wednesday.
What You Should Do Right Now
Stop treating "snow showers" as a minor inconvenience. If you have to be on the roads, check the 511PA map before you turn the key. Those squalls move fast and can be incredibly localized.
- Check your tires: Seriously, if your tread is low, today is the day you'll regret it.
- Wiper fluid: Make sure you have the winter-grade stuff. The salt spray on the highway today is going to be brutal.
- Layer up: If you're heading out, a single heavy coat isn't as good as three layers. The wind is finding every gap in people's clothing today.
The weather today in PA is a reminder that January in the Northeast doesn't play around. It's erratic, it's cold, and it demands a bit of respect. Keep an eye on the sky and stay safe out there.