Will Pennsylvania Get Pummeled with Snow This Winter?

(Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its prediction for the winter months, and they say to expect a "Season of Shivers" for the entire U.S.

The 2022 report says this season could bring "positively bone-chilling, below-average temperatures across most of the United States," according to the almanac’s website. That doesn't sound good to me, but hey, it's winter, what do we expect? The brutal weather is also apparently going to last for a long time. "This coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we've seen in years," Janice Stillman, editor of the almanac, said in a statement.

So, what about snow? When it comes to Pennsylvania, the majority of the state is expected to get "plenty of snow, rain and mush," the Almanac states. In addition to the wetness, we're supposed to brace for some "record-breaking temperatures." The Almanac adds that, "There should be a wide variety of weather conditions, ranging from heavy snows to torrents of rain to gusty thunderstorms across much of the nation."

For Pennsylvania heading into the end of the year, things should get very cold in December, but the most brutal cold and snow is likely to hit in January, according to the Almanac. Going into January, expect "bouts of heavy rain and snow across two-thirds of the country followed by what might be one of the coldest outbreaks of arctic air we have seen in several years." The snowiest days for the Pennsylvania region, according to the study, will be from Jan. 4-7, 16-19 and 20-23. Things should start to warm up as early as February. The Almanac has also released a graphic showing the U.S. highlighted with winter predictions. Pennsylvania is painted light blue with the description "Significant Shivers, Slushy, Icy, Snowy." Of course, there's no telling if this prediction will come true. The National Weather Service shuns long-range outlooks such as this, but then again, the Almanac has been predicting weather patterns since the 1800s, so they have the experience.

I'm always surprised how many people say fall is their favorite season, but it is a beautiful time of year, especially in Pennsylvania. I personally think Pennsylvania offers some of the best fall colors in the entire U.S., and now is the perfect time to start planning that fall trip to see those vibrant autumn shades. I'm already seeing a few leaves changing colors, and while it's beautiful, I have to admit that I'm not very happy to see the changing leaves, since it means summer is winding down. I'm not ready for it to end, because we all know that snow is on the way.

The crew at VisitPA.com has put together a list of the best places to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania. "Nothing signals the advent of autumn in Pennsylvania like when the state’s natural landscape begins to burst with glittering displays of red, yellow, and purple," they state in the article. "From the large-scale transformations in Allegheny National Forest and Rothrock State Forest to historical sights framed by varying shades of gold, visitors can catch a glimpse of this annual spectacle by foot, bike, or car!"

Of course, the best times to view fall foliage differs by region and year, so check with your local spots before venturing out on a big fall foliage viewing trip. I can't wait to head to some of these destinations to take in the fall colors. Why not make a family trip out of it, or a weekend with friends? Read on for the full list of the best places to see fall foliage in Pennsylvania via the crew at VisitPA.com. What is your favorite spot to view the fall colors in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia? Reach out to us on social media and let us know your favorite areas to view the bright colors.

25. Gettysburg National Military Park

Best viewing time: late October

https://www.nps.gov/gett/

24. Pennsylvania Route 6

Best viewing time: mid to late October

https://www.paroute6.com/