PA Snowstorms Likely Into Spring: AccuWeather Forecast

PENNSYLVANIA - Despite Punxsutawney Phil’s latest prediction of an early spring, AccuWeather meteorologists predict fierce winter weather through March in its spring 2024 forecast.

Snow lovers will be happy to know the chance for snowstorms in the northeast will remain through the first half of March, with a springtime warmup to follow in late March and April, AccuWeather meteorologists said. That means winter weather could last into meteorological spring in Pennsylvania, which is recognized as March 1 based on annual temperature cycles.

March could “come in like a lion in the East," AccuWeather Veteran Meteorologist and Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok said, adding “we may have a pretty stormy pattern from late February to the start of March.”

This tracks with the National Weather Service’s predictions for a likely snowstorm a week or two into February after above-average temperatures.

Related: Major NJ Snowstorm In February 'Likely' After Winter Warmup: NWS

Just five days into February, the mercury has already risen to an average of 40s during the day and 30s at night.

Historically, February gets the most snow out of any month in the year in Pennsylvania, with monthly snowfall totals averaging about 6.6 inches of snowfall from 1971 to 2015. That’s compared to 6.4 inches in January and 3.2 inches in March.

While this year has seen far below the average snow totals so far, the ongoing El Nino climate pattern associated with coastal storms, temperature swings and snowier late winters in the region may shake things up later this season. Read more: El Niño May Be 'Historically Strong' In 2024: What It Means For PA

"The window for snow-producing nor'easters will open in late January through February which could dish out hefty snowfall amounts to Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and beyond," AccuWeather predicted in its 2023-24 winter outlook, noting "a strengthening El Niño will make this winter different than last year."

For now, the 10-day forecast in the Keystone State is looking clear and at least partly sunny with highs in the 40s.

Here’s the latest forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 46. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 27. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 41. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 44. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27.