Pennsylvania Winter 2026-27 Outlook Calls for Slightly Below-Average Snow Statewide, but Somerset Could Pile Up 70 to 80 Inches While Philadelphia Gets Just 10 to 15
PENNSYLVANIA — Another 2026-27 winter forecast for Pennsylvania is out, and it points to a season that is slightly milder and less snowy than average for much of the state. The big exception could be the southwest mountains around Somerset, where snowfall is forecast at 70 to 80 inches.
Temperatures Expected to Run 1 to 3 Degrees Above Average
The outlook calls for above-average temperatures overall this winter, by roughly 1 to 3 degrees.
However, there should still be colder spells, particularly during:
- Early December
- Late January into early February
Big Snowstorm Odds Lower, Especially in Southeast Pennsylvania
With the warmer pattern, it may be tough to line up cold air and moisture at the same time for a large snowstorm, especially in the southeast part of the state. Still, the forecast expects at least one moderate storm this winter.
El Niño Brings Wetter East and Drier West
As is typical with El Niño, precipitation is expected to split across the state:
| Region | Precipitation Outlook |
|---|---|
| Eastern half of Pennsylvania | Above average |
| Western half of Pennsylvania | Average to slightly below average |
Frequent storms are expected to track across the southern states and sometimes move up the East Coast, but many may end up bringing more rain than snow.
Snowfall Leaning Slightly Below Average for Most of the State
Following the trend of the past few winters, much of Pennsylvania is expected to see slightly below-average snowfall, especially in:
- The Lake Erie lake-effect region
- The ridgetops of central and eastern Pennsylvania
Somerset and the Southwest Mountains Have the Best Shot at Above-Average Snow
The southwest mountains around Somerset have the best chance of seeing above-average snowfall, though the forecast notes that is not guaranteed.
Snowiest Towns: Somerset, Erie, Warren and Meadville
| Town | Forecast Snowfall |
|---|---|
| Somerset | 70 to 80 inches |
| Erie | 60 to 70 inches |
| Warren | 55 to 65 inches |
| Meadville | 55 to 65 inches |
| Johnstown | 50 to 60 inches |
| Oil City | 45 to 55 inches |
| St. Marys | 45 to 55 inches |
Middle-Range Totals Across Western and Northern Pennsylvania
| Town | Forecast Snowfall |
|---|---|
| DuBois | 35 to 45 inches |
| Indiana | 35 to 45 inches |
| Mount Pocono | 30 to 45 inches |
| New Castle | 30 to 40 inches |
| Altoona | 30 to 40 inches |
| Tiadaghton | 30 to 40 inches |
| Scranton | 30 to 40 inches |
| Pittsburgh | 25 to 35 inches |
| Towanda | 25 to 35 inches |
| Hazleton | 25 to 35 inches |
Central Pennsylvania: State College, Williamsport and Lock Haven
| Town | Forecast Snowfall |
|---|---|
| State College | 20 to 30 inches |
| Williamsport | 20 to 30 inches |
| Lewistown | 20 to 30 inches |
| Pottsville | 20 to 30 inches |
| Sunbury | 20 to 25 inches |
| Lock Haven | 15 to 25 inches |
| Bedford | 15 to 25 inches |
| Washington | 15 to 25 inches |
Least Snow: Philadelphia, Harrisburg and South-Central Pennsylvania
| Town | Forecast Snowfall |
|---|---|
| Chambersburg | 20 to 25 inches |
| Allentown | 20 to 25 inches |
| Reading | 15 to 25 inches |
| Lebanon | 15 to 25 inches |
| Harrisburg | 15 to 20 inches |
| Lancaster | 15 to 20 inches |
| York | 15 to 20 inches |
| Gettysburg | 15 to 20 inches |
| Philadelphia | 10 to 15 inches |
Outlook: A Mild Winter With Snowy Pockets
Overall, Pennsylvania may see a milder, wetter winter with fewer big snowstorms, while the mountains and northwest snow belt still collect the highest totals. Residents should follow local forecasts through the season for storm-by-storm updates.
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