Pennsylvania's Fall Weather Packs Some Surprises

(Photo by Ben Perry/Getty Images)

Fall is almost here, and that means cooler temperatures are on the way in Pennsylvania. Of course, if you're a fan of big, snuggly hoodies, hot cider and pumpkin everything, the cooler temperatures are a welcomed thing. If you would rather spend the afternoon basking in the sun at a Pennsylvania, like me, then you're not so happy about the change of weather. So, what should the Keystone State expect from the autumn months?

Fall officially starts on Sept. 22, but the meteorological autumn actually began on Sept. 1. The staff at AccuWeather recently unveiled its 2022 fall forecast, and it packs some surprises, and some normal weather, for Pennsylvania.

Extreme temperatures aren't expected to be an issue throughout Pennsylvania in September. Temperatures should feel fairly normal, but summer warmth could heat the region a bit more than normal until October kicks in. If you enjoy looking at the fall foliage, note that the warmer temperatures could delay the peak season for autumn colors in Pennsylvania, as well as neighboring states. As for precipitation, the Keystone State is looking at a pretty dry season. However, some of our neighboring states in the Midwest and Northeast are on target to get a good dose of moisture, which should help with crops. We could use the moisture, so hopefully some of those showers will make their way to Pennsylvania, but that's not the prediction.

As for the general outlooks for the U.S., "With pretty good confidence this year, I think it's a mild fall setting up overall for the U.S.," AccuWeather forecaster Paul Pastelok said. Looking at the other side of the U.S., major drought is expected to make the upcoming season a very active one for wildfires. The fires are expected to pop up in different areas than they did in 2021.

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/