Snow Hits Northwestern Pennsylvania as Cold Snap Approaches

UPDATE: A winter weather alert has been issued as light snow is set to blanket parts of northwestern Pennsylvania this afternoon. Residents in Warren and McKean counties can expect accumulations of 1-2 inches by evening, with cold temperatures persisting throughout the region.

The snow will begin impacting the area around Sunday afternoon, with heavier snowfall concentrated along the Allegheny Front. While most of central Pennsylvania will remain cloudy and below freezing, a weak weather system moving north of the state is expected to bring additional snow showers to the northwestern mountains.

As the snow moves in, temperatures will continue to drop, with highs struggling to reach freezing on Monday. The nighttime forecast is particularly concerning, as temperatures are predicted to plunge into the single digits to low teens across central Pennsylvania. Residents are urged to take precautions against the frigid conditions, including protecting vulnerable pipes and ensuring adequate heating in their homes.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, York, and Lancaster counties, effective until Monday at midnight. This alert highlights the ongoing weather challenges that residents will face in the coming days.

Looking ahead, a high-pressure system is expected to bring dry conditions on Monday, but another weather system is anticipated to brush the northern tier of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, potentially bringing more light snow. The active weather pattern will continue throughout the week, with several clipper systems forecasted to move through, providing further opportunities for winter precipitation from Wednesday into next weekend.

There are indications that a more significant storm could impact the Mid-Atlantic region by Friday, adding to the urgency for residents to stay informed about weather developments. As astronomical winter officially begins at 10:03 a.m. on December 21, 2023, the ongoing cold snap is a stark reminder of the winter season’s harsh realities.

Stay tuned for updates as this weather situation evolves.