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Jonathan Murray's Wednesday Afternoon Forecast 2/12/25

Wintry Mix on the Way

The past 24 hours of weather in Central Pennsylvania has been wintry to say the least. With snow on the ground and cold temperatures, there was no respite to be found from the typical February conditions. Snow flurries have been in and out of the area, adding the already existing layer of snow accumulation. The threat of ice is ever present, causing outside surfaces to turn into icy hazards as moisture on the ground turns into ice.

For the immediate future, a wintry mess of a system is on the way, with the power to bring snow and sleet to the Commonwealth. Expect as the night comes and goes for there to be impactful snow that will turn into sleet as temperatures slightly rise. The bulk of this upcoming midweek storm will be a mix between sleet and snow, favoring sleet by just a touch. It’s important that you remain weather aware about how this storm will impact you and any travel plans you may have.

A look at the less immediate future shows even more precipitation on tap. Another system arriving this weekend will feature a wintry mix, this time favoring rain more than anything else. Along with rain comes the threat of major ice accretion with huge impacts to commutes as temperatures drop in the coming week. A beacon of hope is found this coming Friday where we can see a break in the action after the midweek storm moves on. Keep an eye out for any flash freezing events that may accompany this weeks storms.

Sample of Snow Ahead!

The rest of the day for PA looks to be dry for the north, 50/50 for the middle, and samples of snow for the south. Precipitation slides into the southern tier of the Commonwealth this afternoon and evening, leaving behind a few inches of snow for those south of I-76, a trace to an inch for those between I-80 and I-76, and dry conditions for those north of I-80. Temperatures remain relatively seasonable for today.

Wednesday night into Thursday is the next event that Pennsylvanians are keeping their eyes on. Mixed precipitation (predominantly rain) will cover the majority of the state, leaving behind some slick driving conditions for your morning commute come Thursday morning. Stay aware on the roads!

Friday looks to be calm with conditions getting nasty again come this weekend. This weekend’s system will be similar to those that have swept through the past few weeks with a precipitation pot luck for all those in the Commonwealth. Temperature continue to remain relatively seasonable for this time of the year.

The Dog Days of Winter

Since the year has started, State College has seen a winter unlike those in recent years’ past. The month of January ended about three degrees below climatological average, which was the first month below average since 2022. Though much of the commonwealth lacked appreciable precipitation, Mother Nature has helped subside the deficit in the form of several winter storms in a sequence of many coming our way. The first winter storm arrived on Saturday, where overrunning warm air aloft created an environment prone to accumulating sleet and freezing rain. State College received 1.2″ of sleet, and locations within the Laurel Highlands topped out around a half an inch of freezing rain, which can be considered very impactful to travel.

Today, nature has hosted her first “intermission” of this busy winter pattern. Skies across the commonwealth are mainly blue with fair weather cumulus abound. Temperatures across the area begun below freezing for all, though as the day goes on much of the commonwealth will eclipse the 32 degree freezing threshold. While seasonable, temperatures will be kept down overnight due to the lingering snow (or even sleet) pack and clear skies in the evening.

Tomorrow, all of Pennsylvania will wake up to grey skies in preparation of a low pressure system moving through the Mid-Atlantic. Current model projections have the center of the storm staying South, which could lead to enhanced snow totals near the Mason-Dixon Line but the chance of no snow at all closer to the New York border. Unlike the last storm, all precipitation will remain snow. For these reasons, winter storm watches have been posted throughout Maryland, and Winter Weather Advisories are likely to be posted throughout Southern Pennsylvania as the storm grows closer. After this storm, our next chance for accumulating snowfall will arrive on Wednesday night.

A Snowy Super Bowl Weekend

Over the past day there was a chaotic mix of wintry weather which cleared up in the early afternoon hours. This winter mix lead to hazardous road conditions and many school delays across the area. Despite the winter conditions, temperatures climbed into the mid forties in the afternoon, and clouds cleared up overnight.

Over the next 24 hours, temperatures have returned to average with mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions. A weak cold front passed over the state earlier this morning, bringing flurries and lower temperatures to the western part of the Commonwealth.

For this weekend, another system will pass through just in time for the Super Bowl, similar to the system we got Thursday morning.  The storm will pass through Saturday evening leaving the northern half of the Commonwealth with snow, whereas the southwest portion of the state will experience a mix of sleet and freezing rain. This system will move out on Sunday afternoon, making way for calm Super Bowl skies.

Ice isn’t Nice

Over the past day, we’ve experienced a temperature drop across central Pennsylvania. Going from low 50’s all the way down to below freezing temperatures today. Along with the warmer weather, conditions have been dry, however that is set to change in our near future. Say goodbye to the warm temperatures we experienced at the start of the week.

Over the next 24 hours, cold and icy conditions are on the way. A low pressure system moves in, along with it a winter storm that will drop enough precipitation to create a significant ice threat. Driving Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning will have extra difficulty. The low temperatures combined with the precipitation will make for a less than ideal day for most. Stay weather aware as you go about your day on Thursday and make sure you have the proper winter clothing and accessories.

Now for a look at the future at the weekend and beyond. A respite after this upcoming system will not raise temperatures to what they were at the beginning of this week. Conditions will be mostly sunny through the end of the week. The weekend will see the return of wintry mixes, with Saturday being the next chance for State College to see a rain and snow mix that continues into Saturday night. The Saturday system will eventually give way to cold yet party sunny conditions for Sunday.

The Calm Before the Wintry Mess

Starting off the new work week, conditions across the state were well above average for this time of year. Most areas saw little to no cloud cover and temperatures about 10 to 15 degrees above average. This came after our wintry events on Sunday producing snow and freezing rain across portions of the Commonwealth. It’ll be a somewhat “Groundhog Day” repetition of events over the coming days.

Temperatures return to near average ranging from the low 30’s to mid 40’s across the state. It’ll be dry and calm before we likely repeat what occurred on Sunday again on Thursday. Some areas in portions of western Pennsylvania may see some wintry mix late overnight as our next system moves in Thursday morning.

Thursday morning will be quite messy, with snowy and wintry conditions spread across the state. Likely seeing it start as freezing rain, this system will quickly transition into rain during the afternoon. Be cautious throughout the day as ice accumulation could reach a quarter of an inch in a few areas. Just as quickly as it moves in, it moves out, leaving us with cooler and drier conditions heading into the weekend.

A Mild Monday on Tap

Happy belated Groundhog’s Day! Punxsutawney Phil has called for six more weeks of winter. His prediction is off to good start with wintry conditions seen across the Commonwealth last night. Last night, State College experienced snow, sleet, and freezing rain, making for messy conditions and commute.

Temperatures in our area have warmed up significantly today. State College is forecasted to see a high of 53 degrees and a low of 35 degrees. Besides the possibility of an isolated rain shower tonight, conditions will be mainly dry for the next 24 hours.

Later this week, wintry conditions are expected Wednesday night into Thursday. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain may create a hazardous Thursday morning commute.

Punxsutawney Phil’s Forecast

A few days this week brought some snow showers to the region but conditions have been very pleasant from where we have been just a week ago. Temperatures have been above average and skies have been mostly clear giving us a break from the brutal cold. While temperatures will stick to around average, it will give way to some rain as the end of the work week comes upon us.

As we start the weekend, a system will be moving through the common wealth bring with it some much needed rain. Starting off as freezing rain, it will bring some icy conditions to the northern tier the state but will transition to rain by the afternoon. Rain will continue through the evening but then will taper off over night with a few lingering rain showers overnight.

Looking ahead, a beautiful day will set up for your Saturday with sunny skies throughout the day but with clouds moving in overnight. Your Sunday outlook is not looking so nice as gusty conditions will prevail with a couple snow showers possible through the afternoon to evening. As you head into the work week, cloudy conditions will continue throughout the day Monday but will transition into pleasant day for Tuesday. While conditions will be nice to start the week, be on the look out for the next chance of rain on Wednesday as a another system will be moving through bringing showers across the region.

Warmth and Rain for Friday

We’ve seen some warmer conditions over the past few days with highs ranging from the mid 30’s to low 40’s. We have been on the temperature rollercoaster throughout the last week with conditions being the coldest we’ve seen so far this year occurring just last week. We’ll continue on that rollercoaster, introducing some changing weather patterns along the way.

Today will remain mostly sunny before some clouds begin to build as the afternoon and evening progress. This is ahead of our system that will impact most, if not all, of Pennsylvania on Friday. There is a chance that some of the higher elevations and Northern tier locations will see some wintry mix before turning over to rain. For the most part, the rest of the state will see off and on rain showers throughout the day, some heavy at times.

With that system moving out quickly, Saturday will be left with remaining cold air, settling right back to near average for this time of year. Clouds will continue throughout the weekend, persisting into the start of the next work week. We’ll be tracking and keeping a close eye on our next system which is set to hit around the Wednesday time period.

Squally Conditions Before Late Week Warm Up

Warmer conditions overspread the Commonwealth on Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from the high 30s to the mid 40s. This warmup comes just one week after the state experienced high temperatures in the mid teens, and provided much needed relief to the relentless cold so far throughout the month of January. As we head throughout the last week of January and into early February, this pattern change and warm stretch will continue.

Wednesday will feature blustery conditions and snow squalls after a cold front swept across the Commonwealth during the evening hours of Tuesday. These squalls will be quick hitting, and will drop visibilities below a quarter of a mile. If you happen to be traveling on the highway and encounter a snow squall, make sure to get off at the closest exit, and wait out the duration of the squall before getting back on the road. These squalls will end during the evening to overnight hours tonight, leading to clearing for Thursday.

Our next weather maker is expected to spread primarily rain across the region on Friday, with some snow mixing into northwest Pennsylvania as the storm moves out. The rest of the weekend is looking to remain dry, with clear skies expected for Saturday, and cloud cover increasing on Sunday. It is unlikely that Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow Sunday morning, as these clouds overspread the region. After another brief cool down for Saturday, temperatures will go back on the rise for the beginning of the next work week.

Brick and Blustery!

Who let the gust out? Yesterday and today have held their own in the whipping-winds competition as gusts have been recorded above 40 mph for many Pennsylvanians, namely those in the Philadelphia metro region. In the early morning hours, a cold front plunged from Canada, bringing along a cold air mass and snow squalls for many across the northern tier of the state to start the morning.

For the rest of today, temperatures remain seasonable, but gusts can become bone chilling — especially without proper clothing. To deter the cold during windy conditions, focus on covering as much skin as possible, as the contact between wind and your skin creates the uncomfortable feeling we all detest. Once your skin is covered, ensure that the thickness of your clothing is proper for the temperatures you’re expecting to experience.

Tomorrow’s conditions appear to be quite similar to today’s: snow will be falling for those in the northern tier and the Laurel Highlands to start the day, with seasonable temperatures, but windy conditions, making your commute outdoors uncomfortable. Be cognizant of road conditions during your morning commute if snow is falling and bundle up!

Past – Carlson

Present – Carlson

Future – Carlson

Support – Witte

Warmer and Windy?

Does it feel warm to you? After an extended period of below freezing temperatures, we are finally feeling temperatures that are more seasonable for this time of year. Currently, abundant sunshine and clear skies dominate the Commonwealth. Don’t forget to bundle up though, windy conditions will make it feel colder.

These gusty conditions will remain overnight, even bringing some wintry precipitation with them in the next couple days. Snow squalls are possible across the state, so remain weather aware! Stay especially alert on highways, as they can be dangerous in these conditions.

The upcoming week will bring chances for showers on Friday and the potential for freezing rain during the weekend. Prepare for Groundhog day! Maybe we will have an early Spring!

Beginning of a Weekend Warm-Up

Some bitter cold air took hold of the Commonwealth during the first half of the week. Wind speeds remained relatively breezy bringing wind chill values well below zero. These cold conditions were only amplified by a few clouds and the snow we received earlier in the week.

A slightly warm-up begins to make its way across the state. Still below freezing, we are heading back to near average temperatures for this time of year. The weekend brings the most promising return, nearing the freezing mark.

After the weekend and beginning the next work week, winds begin to pick up, keeping more cold air around. The middle part of the week may introduce some snow showers as a low pressure system approaches from the west. Keep those hats and gloves handy as the cold is going no where any time soon!

Condition to Remain BRRRisk Across the Commonwealth

An arctic blast took hold across Pennsylvania on Tuesday, with high temperatures peaking into the teens and low 20s. Dangerous cold was felt across the Commonwealth this morning, with the majority of the state seeing low temperatures below zero, with some areas of the Northern Plateau getting as low as -18 degrees. Extreme Cold Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories continued throughout the day on Wednesday, with cold weather alerts still posted for regions west of Interstate 99.

There is some good news to be found in the next 24 hours. A slight warm up will occur as we move into Thursday bringing temperatures up to the mid 20’s. With a high of 26 and a low of 12, Thursday’s temperature’s will be in stark contrast to the previous couple of days. This warming trend will continue as we move further into the week and the weekend.

The week ahead will bring much of the same, as the worst of the cold moves out by the end of the work week. Temperatures will remain 5 to 10 degrees below our average temperature of 34. The later half of the weekend into early next week will see temperatures warming up closer to average, peaking into the low to mid 30s. The best chance for snowfall will be in western Pennsylvania on Friday, as a weakening clipper brings occasional showers to the region.

Dangerous Cold Sweeps Commonwealth

A few inches of snow (along with relatively average temperatures) were brought to the Commonwealth during a winter low-pressure system on Saturday. Afterwards, temperatures plummeted Sunday and have continued through Monday with below zero temperatures overnight into Tuesday. Along with the cold temperatures, a high pressure system has been in the region keeping us dry. Wind has also been an issue, with wind speeds ranging from 5-15 mph, bringing hazardous wind chills to our region.

A cold front will move through the region tonight into tomorrow, continuing our chilly conditions with the lowest temperatures expected tonight into Wednesday morning, with the chance of lows reaching -10F . Following the cold front’s departure, high pressure will enter our region — keeping all of the state dry, but still cold. Temperatures will rebound as we head into Thursday with temperatures hovering in the mid-20s.

During the early-Wednesday morning hours , lake effect snow will begin to affect isolated portions of the I-90 corridor, lasting until the evening. For the rest of the state, high pressure will persist until Friday morning, with temperatures back into January’s averages. Friday morning brings a cold front, where high pressure quickly follows behind and lasts for the weekend.

Winter Storm to Bring Widespread Snow Sunday

A winter storm is set to impact Pennsylvania on Sunday, with some areas expecting over a half foot of snow. Snow will start in the southwestern part of the Commonwealth during the morning, increasing in intensity throughout the early afternoon hours as the storm continues to move northeast. Intense snowfall rates are likely east of the Interstate 99 corridor during the mid afternoon hours, which will create travel impacts across the Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan areas. Philadelphia could see a brief changeover to sleet between 3pm and 6pm, which will lower snowfall totals across areas of the southern Delaware River Valley. Northeastern Pennsylvania is expected to receive the most snowfall, with upwards of a half foot likely after this storm system is all set and done.

Snow is expected to wind down across the Commonwealth overnight Sunday into Monday morning, with Lake Effect snow possible in Northwest Pennsylvania throughout the afternoon hours on Monday. This snowfall will be here to stay as we head into the next work week, as an arctic air mass will move in behind this system. Temperatures across the state are expected to drop below zero as you wake up for your Tuesday and Wednesday commutes. Wind chill temperatures across western Pennsylvania could drop as low as 30 degrees below zero Wednesday morning.

Weather Blog 1/17/24

After a quick hitting snowfall throughout the day on Thursday, plenty of melting occurred on Friday, as temperatures peaked into the mid 30s to low 40s across the Commonwealth. Although many of these high temperatures were close to seasonal averages for this time of the year, conditions felt much more mild compared to the cold beginning of the week. Pleasant conditions were felt across much of the state, as early morning clouds subsided and gave way to more sunshine in the afternoon.

A pleasant day on Friday will be followed up by sloppy conditions on Saturday, as our next weather maker moves in, spreading a wintry mix across the Commonwealth. Snow will spread across the northwest region of the state from west to east during the morning hours. Although not much accumulation is expected, some spots may become slick. Precipitation will spread across the southwestern portion of the state, where up to a quarter of an inch of rain is expected with some snowflakes mixing into the higher elevations. The eastern half of the state can expect sprinkles of rain and some occasional flurries in the Poconos.

As the latter half of Martin Luther King Weekend arrives, we are watching a potential coastal snowmaker, with a widespread plowable snowfall likely across eastern Pennsylvania. Depending on the position of this system off the coast, some areas of central Pennsylvania may tap into the snowfall, with the western third of the state likely to remain dry. Following this snowmaker, an arctic air mass will drop temperatures into the single digits after the Monday holiday, with wind chill temperatures for the middle of next week dropping as low as 30 degrees below 0.

Hurricane Milton – October 9, 2024

NOAA GOES-EAST GEOCOLOR Satellite Imagery of Hurricane Milton

GEOCOLOR satellite imagery of Hurricane Milton from NOAA’s GOES-East Satellite.

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida as a Category 5 storm, some residents are evacuating while others brace for the impact of yet another hurricane. Only two weeks after Hurricane Helene, resources are already stretched thin. With maximum sustained winds around 145 miles per hour and wind gusts upwards of 170 miles per hour (as of 11 am on 10/9), Hurricane Milton looks to slightly weaken as it approaches landfall.

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Powerful Hurricane Idalia takes aim at Florida and the Southeastern US

Hurricane Idalia on GOES-East

Overview

Hurricane Idalia, pronounced (ee-DAL-ya), has become a strong category 2 hurricane in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with its sights set on the big bend of Florida. As of the latest 8:00 PM EDT National Hurricane Center (NHC) advisory, the hurricane has sustained winds of 105 mph and is moving north at 16 mph. On satellite imagery, the storm appears to be very healthy with strong convection around its center. The system has yet to feature an eye but is expected to continue to restrengthen upon landfall Wednesday morning in Florida.

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