Has State College seen the last of frost and cold weather? Here’s the outlook for spring
State College residents can expect a mix of rainy and sunnier weather in the coming days, but the average last frost date is still to come.
The National Weather Service State College office forecasts a 90% chance of precipitation Friday, with a high around 53 degrees. Saturday will be sunnier but cooler, with a high near 41 degrees and wind gusts as high as 32 miles per hour.
Sunday will be “partly sunny” with a high around 36 degrees, and Monday should be sunny with a high of roughly 47 degrees.
Here’s what to expect for the rest of the season in State College.
When does State College usually have its last frost?
The average last date with a temperature of 32 degrees or lower in State College is April 11, according to NWS data from 2000 to 2022.
The earliest date of the last potential frost was March 22, and the latest was May 10.
Typical spring temperatures in State College
The NWS provides monthly climate normals for State College based on data from 1991 to 2020. Here’s what to expect in an average spring:
March:
Average minimum temperature: 32.3 degrees
Average maximum temperature: 51.3 degrees
Average overall temperature: 41.8 degrees
Total normal precipitation: 3.7 inches
April:
Average minimum temperature: 42.5 degrees
Average maximum temperature: 63.8 degrees
Average overall temperature: 53.2 degrees
Total normal precipitation: 3.55 inches
May:
Average minimum temperature: 53.1 degrees
Average maximum temperature: 73.7 degrees
Average overall temperature: 63.4 degrees
Total normal precipitation: 3.83 inches
Farmers’ Almanac spring predictions
Pennsylvania residents can expect mild temperatures and near normal precipitation this spring, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. Many areas will see a soggy, shivery season, the almanac says, and “spring temperatures may take their time arriving.”
The almanac makes predictions based on a mysterious formula that considers factors such as planetary positioning, sunspot activity and tidal action of the moon.
“The only person who knows the exact formula is the Farmers’ Almanac weather prognosticator who goes by the pseudonym of Caleb Weatherbee,” the organization’s website says. “To protect this proprietary formula, the editors of the Farmers’ Almanac prefer to keep both Caleb’s true identity and the formula a closely guarded brand secret.”
The Farmers’ Almanac has provided extended forecasts since 1818, according to its website.
