Cool Weather and Storms Ahead for South-Central PA

HARRISBURG, Pa. — South-Central Pennsylvania will experience cooler temperatures on Wednesday, with highs reaching only the mid-50s, following an unseasonably warm day that saw temperatures climb into the 70s.

The shift in weather comes after a cold front moved through the region, ushering in cooler air from New England. Weather experts refer to this phenomenon as “cold air damming,” which results in lower temperatures in the Susquehanna Valley as winds from the Atlantic cool the air while moving down from the Appalachian Mountains.

“We will see a seasonable shift today, with a high of about 56 degrees and a brisk, partly sunny sky,” said a local meteorologist. “Tonight, we can expect temperatures to drop into the upper 30s to low 40s, so it will feel quite a bit cooler than what we experienced just yesterday.”

As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to rise slightly, reaching the upper 50s to low 60s on Thursday before a more significant warming trend arrives for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Thursday night, residents will have a chance to witness a total lunar eclipse, commonly referred to as a Blood Moon, occurring between 2:26 AM and 3:31 AM Friday.

Looking ahead, Saturday will see mild conditions in the mid-60s, but the forecast also indicates a risk of showers throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon. The Harrisburg and York St. Patrick’s Day parades are scheduled for Saturday, and parade-goers may want to be prepared for light rain as the festivities progress.

“Saturday starts off mild but could end with some scattered showers, especially as we head into Sunday,” said the meteorologist. “Sunday will bring our best chance for rain, as a cold front is expected to sweep through, bringing with it stronger storms which may be severe in some areas.”

The Storm Prediction Center has indicated a slight risk of severe storms on Sunday, advising residents to stay alert and keep updated on the latest forecasts. For those planning outdoor activities, a backup plan may be wise as conditions could deteriorate quickly.

Weather patterns indicate that above-average temperatures will continue into next week, with highs remaining in the 50s and 60s as spring approaches officially just days away.