Old Farmer’s Almanac fall, winter weather forecast for Pennsylvania

While an overall warmer-than-average fall season was predicted by the Old Farmer’s Almanac for 2025 for the United States, most of Pennsylvania, the Appalachians and Lower Lakes are forecast to see cooler-than-average temperatures and dry conditions with lower-than average precipitation.

October-like chill is forecast for the beginning of September, so you might be wondering what this winter might bring.

Here’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac says about winter weather and snowfall predictions.

How much will it snow this year?

According to Accuweather, a cold front is forecast to move across portions of the country and into Pennsylvania later this week, “setting the stage for temperatures reaching as low as 20 degrees Farenheit below historical averages” and possibly — the first snowflakes of the season for some areas.

Last year’s snow totals in Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service for 2024-2025, showed Erie with 109.9″, Pittsburgh with 30.4″, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with 27.8″, Allentown with 17.8″ and Philadelphia with 8.1.”

While an overall warmer-than-average fall season was predicted by the Old Farmer’s Almanac for 2025 for the United States, most of Pennsylvania, the Appalachians and Lower Lakes are forecast to see cooler-than-average temperatures and dry conditions with lower-than average precipitation.

In the Northeast, average temperatures will be 59 degrees in September and 46 degrees in October, according to the Almanac. Expected precipitation levels will be 3.5 inches in September and 2.5 inches in October.

“Look for scattered showers, brief warm spells, and overall chilly weather,” was the forecast description on the Almanac’s website.

Cool temperatures and below-average rainfalls could also translate into beautiful fall foliage in the Northeast.

Although it is still technically summer and the first day of fall is still weeks away, here’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac says in their winter weather predictions for cold and snow.

What is the Old Farmer’s Almanac winter weather forecast for 2025/26?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac winter weather forecast 2025-2026 calls for “mostly mild – with pockets of wild.” But for most of Pennsylvania, that forecast says “Colder than usual with a split snow story: lighter in the north, heavier in the south.”

Temperatures are predicted to be below normal with the coldest spells coming in mid- and late December, early and late January and early February.

Precipitation is forecast to be below normal, translating to below normal snowfall. The most snow is expected to arrive in late December, late January, early and late February, and mid-March, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

How much snow will Pennsylvania get in 2025-26?

Precipitation and snowfall is expected to be below normal for the upcoming 2025-26 winter season in Pennsylvnina, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Though, the Pittsburgh area may be an outlier where more snow is predicted.

Average snowfall totals in Pennsylvania can vary from as little as 18-24″ in areas like Philadelphia to 36-42″ in the Poconos to as much as 110-140″ in areas surrounding Erie, according to PAWeatherAction.com.

Last year’s snow totals, according to the National Weather Service for 2024-2025, showed Erie with a high 109.9″, Pittsburgh with 30.4″, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with 27.8″, Allentown with 17.8″ and Philadelphia with 8.1.”

When is the first day of fall 2025 — autumnal equinox?

The first day of fall, also known as the autumnal equinox, September equinox or the fall equinox arrives on Monday, Sept. 22 at 2:19 p.m. Eastern.

When is winter solstice 2025?

Winter solstice 2025, which marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, will occur on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, 10:03 a.m. Eastern.

How accurate is the Old Farmer’s Almanac?

Weather predictions are accurate about 80% of the time, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac website, citing inaccuracies can be reflections of abnormal weather patterns.