National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce
Precipitation Information Snowfall and Winter Hazard Information River Stages and Forecasts Turn Around Don't Drown Drought Information Flood History in Central PA

Forecast Precipitation
Recent Precipitation Totals

Live One-Hour Radar Rainfall Estimate from KCCX radar

Live Storm Total Radar Rainfall Estimate from KCCX radar

Temperature, Precip and Snowfall from our Co-Op Observers

12hr Roundup for PA

Public Information Statements

Departures From Normal
Maps of Normal Precipitation for PA

Select to open a map in the Main Window:

monthly normal precip maps for PA

All NWS State College Text Statements/Forecasts:

 

 

Recent Snowfall

Public Reports
When we obtain reports from across the region - whether from spotters, the general public, or solicited information from people like PennDOT or Emergency Personnel - we quality-check the data.  We then try to issue Public Information Statements that summarize this information. Latest 24-hr Snowfall Report Map MapOfReports example
Co-Operative (CoOp) Station Observations
  Once per day (usually around 7 am) more than 100 people across Central Pennsylvania send the NWS an observation covering the past 24 hours.  Most report rain and snow totals. See the daily data from the CoOperative Observers Map representing CoOp station locations

Seasonal Totals

Select Season:

seasonal snow map

TIP: right-click on image and choose "View Image" to see the map at full size.

 

Seasonal Normals

What is normal (average) for my location?
 
Check the map below, which lists the Average Annual Snowfall for Pennsylvania. Then, if you need further/more-detailed (monthly averages) information, check the Climate Database for a location near you.

Select:

  1. "Monthly avgs/totals" from Col #1 (Product)
  2. Choose a location near to you from Col #2 (Location)
  3. Select "Snowfall" from Col #3 (Variable)
  4. Select "1981-2010" from Col#4 (Year)
  5. Hit "GO!"

Average Annual Snowfall for Pennsylvania

Average Annual Snowfall for Pennsylvania, contours

Long Term Seasonal Averages

Location Long-Term Average 30 Year Average
1991-2020
Harrisburg 33.2
since 1889
29.9
State College 45.9
since 1893
43.8
Williamsport 38.8
since 1895
35.8

 

 

Average Date of First Snowfall in Central PA

Date of Average Frist Snowfall

 

Long-Term Station Snowfall Totals

The following charts show the individual winter season snowfalls since 1980-1981. Continuous weather records have been kept since 1888 in Harrisburg, and since 1895 in both Williamsport and State College. Scroll down to see the larger images.
Harrisburg, PA Site Snowfall for winter seasons. State College, PA Co-Operative Observation Site Snowfall for winter seasons. Williamsport, PA Site Snowfall for winter seasons.


Harrisburg, PA Site Snowfall for winter seasons.
Harrisburg, PA Site Snowfall for recent winter seasons.


State College, PA Co-Operative Observation Site Snowfall for winter seasons.
State College, PA Co-Operative Observation Site Snowfall for recent winter seasons.


Williamsport, PA Site Snowfall for winter seasons.
Williamsport, PA Site Snowfall for recent winter seasons.


Laurel Summit, PA Co-Operative Observation Site Snowfall for winter seasons.
Laurel Summit, PA Co-Operative Observation Site Snowfall for recent winter seasons.


Chandler Valley, PA Co-Operative Observation Site Snowfall for winter seasons.
Chandler Valley (NW Warren County) Co-Operative Observation Site Snowfall for recent winter seasons.

 

 

Drought Information
Current Drought Declarations (as of 10/22/2022)  County Drought Status Map
Most recent Drought Map
(Courtesy State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP))

Read the latest Drought Statement
from NWS State College.

Are we below normal for precipitation?
Do we have a precipitation defecit? See Maps by clicking here.
Departure from Normal Maps

(from the MARFC)

Drought declarations/cancellations are made at the State level (the Governor/DEP Secretary) through guidance provided by the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) using data, analyses, and forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS), the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It should also be noted that local municipalities and water authorities can ask for voluntary water conservation by their customers, and even impose mandatory restrictions, outside of Drought Declarations.

What can we normally expect for rainfall?:
See Maps of Normal Monthly and Yearly Precipitation for Pennsylvania.

What are streamflows like right now?
USGS, Daily Streamflow Map.

What are well levels like right now?
USGS, PA GroundWater Well Levels.

Parched Earth image, see current reservoir and well (groundwater) levels

How much precipitation have we been getting the last few years?
Generate plots of Statewide Precipitation (or Temperature) trends:

 

All NWS State College Text Statements/Forecasts:

 

 

Select a tab above for more info on each subject.