Light snow is on the way for south-central Pennsylvania, expected to start this morning and taper off by noon. A fast-moving clipper system will bring light snow to parts of the Lower Susquehanna Valley today, particularly impacting areas in the eastern part of the region.
Meteorologist Maryellen Pann reports that while precipitation has been detected by radar, it has not yet been reaching the ground due to dry atmospheric conditions. However, as the morning progresses, the moisture levels are expected to rise, allowing the snow to begin falling. A winter weather advisory is currently in effect for the eastern counties until noon, where accumulations could reach closer to an inch or even up to two inches in isolated areas.
The forecast indicates that most of the snowfall will occur southeast of I-81, particularly affecting Adams County, York, Dauphin, Lebanon, and Lancaster. Snow is expected to continue until around 11 a.m. before moving out of the area. A light wintry mix may also occur, albeit in a very sporadic manner.
As the morning snow subsides, temperatures are projected to rise into the upper 30s and low 40s, fostering some melting and improving conditions on the roads. Residents in Franklin County may not see much snowfall, while those to the east may experience up to two inches. Currently, temperatures are around 30 degrees in Harrisburg and Lebanon, and slightly warmer in Carlisle and Lancaster.
This afternoon, once the snow ends, clouds are expected to break up somewhat, allowing for more sunshine as temperatures climb higher. Tonight, partly cloudy conditions are forecast with temperatures dipping back into the low 30s. The potential for scattered light snow showers lingers as night falls.
Looking ahead to the week, another front will move through, leading to noticeably colder temperatures. On Martin Luther King Day, expect a quiet day with gusty winds and highs only in the low 30s, though with wind chills feeling much colder. The ten-day forecast suggests that an Arctic boundary will move in Monday night, ushering in frigid conditions with overnight lows dropping to around ten degrees.
Overall, while this morning’s snowfall may cause some minor disruptions, there is a silver lining as temperatures are set to rise and conditions will improve throughout the day. It’s a reminder of the changing weather patterns typical of winter in Pennsylvania.