Northern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York Could See a White Christmas as Snowfall Targets Areas North of Interstate 80
WALDRON, ARKANSAS — Even though much of the ground remains green heading into the holiday week, new snowfall projections show that communities north of Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania and New York still have a realistic chance of a White Christmas, with accumulating snow expected between Friday morning, December 19, and Christmas morning, December 25.
Forecast snowfall data indicates a clear north-to-south gradient, with the highest snow totals concentrated across northern Pennsylvania and southern to central New York, while areas farther south are expected to see little or no accumulation.
Northern Pennsylvania and Southern New York Face the Highest Snow Potential
According to the snowfall outlook, northern-tier counties in Pennsylvania sit squarely within the most favorable zone for holiday snowfall. Locations closest to the New York border are projected to receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, with locally higher totals possible in elevated terrain.
Key projected snowfall amounts include:
- Jamestown, NY: ~2.6 inches
- Binghamton, NY: ~3.4 inches
- Ithaca, NY: ~4.0 inches
- Scranton, PA: ~2.3 inches
- Hazleton, PA: ~1.5 inches
- Williamsport, PA: ~1.1 inches
These totals are sufficient to coat the ground and rooftops, increasing the likelihood of a scenic White Christmas morning across the northern half of the region.
Central Pennsylvania Sees Marginal Accumulations
Farther south across central Pennsylvania, snowfall amounts taper quickly. While light snow is still possible, totals are expected to remain under one inch in many locations, limiting the chance for sustained ground cover.
Projected totals include:
- State College: ~0.5 inches
- Altoona: ~0.7 inches
- Somerset: ~1.0 inch
- Harrisburg: ~0.1 inch
- Lancaster: ~0.1 inch
These areas may experience brief snow showers or flurries, but warmer ground temperatures could prevent meaningful accumulation.
Southern Pennsylvania Likely Misses Out on Christmas Snow
Communities south of Interstate 80 — including Philadelphia, Reading, Wilmington, and Pittsburgh — are forecast to see minimal or no snowfall, with totals generally remaining below half an inch.
Examples include:
- Philadelphia: ~0.2 inches
- Reading: ~0.2 inches
- Pittsburgh: ~0.4 inches
- Wilmington, DE: ~0.1 inch
In these areas, rain or mixed precipitation may dominate, keeping the odds of a White Christmas low.
Why Interstate 80 Is the Key Divider
The snowfall pattern clearly highlights Interstate 80 as the dividing line between colder air to the north and milder conditions to the south. Areas north of I-80 are more likely to remain cold enough for snow to accumulate, while warmer air farther south limits snowfall potential.
Even modest shifts in temperature could still influence final outcomes, but current guidance strongly favors northern Pennsylvania and upstate New York as the most impacted regions.
What Residents Should Expect
- Snowfall will occur intermittently, not as a single storm
- Accumulations favor higher elevations and northern counties
- Travel impacts should remain minor, though slick roads are possible at times
- Snow cover may be patchy, but enough for a White Christmas in select areas
Residents traveling north for the holidays should remain alert for changing road conditions, especially overnight and early morning.
Looking Ahead
While not everyone will wake up to snow-covered lawns on Christmas morning, those north of Interstate 80 — particularly in northern Pennsylvania and upstate New York — have the best odds of seeing holiday snowfall. Forecast confidence remains moderate, and updates are expected as Christmas approaches.
WaldronNews.com will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as new data becomes available.