PA Snowstorm: 20+ Inches Reported, Records Broken – Jan 25-26, 2026

by Chief Editor

A significant winter storm brought record-breaking snowfall to several cities across Pennsylvania on Sunday, January 25th and Monday, January 26th, 2026. Some areas of the state experienced snowfall totals exceeding 20 inches.

Record Snowfall Across the Commonwealth

The National Weather Service reported substantial accumulations throughout the state. New Bethlehem in Clarion County received 23 inches of snow as of 12:17 a.m. Monday, while Clintonville in Venango County recorded 22 inches as of 10:02 p.m. Sunday.

Other locations with over 20 inches of snowfall include Clymer in Indiana County, West Mayfield in Beaver County, Shanor-Northvue in Butler County, and Glen Campbell in Indiana County.

Did You Know? Harrisburg broke a one-day snowfall record previously set in 1988, when only 5.4 inches fell.

Central Pennsylvania also saw significant snowfall, with Jennerstown in Somerset County receiving 17.3 inches, the highest total in the region. State College recorded 13.1 inches of snow by 4 p.m. Sunday.

City Records Fall

Several major cities experienced record-breaking snowfall. Harrisburg recorded 14 inches, surpassing the previous daily record. The city also broke a one-day rainfall record from 1978, receiving 1.49 inches of rain on Sunday, exceeding the previous record of 1.48 inches.

Pittsburgh received 11.2 inches of snow, breaking its previous record of 5.2 inches set in 2014. Philadelphia also saw a new record with 9.3 inches, surpassing the 8.5 inches recorded in 2000.

Expert Insight: Record snowfall events, like the one experienced in Pennsylvania, can have cascading effects on infrastructure and daily life. While the immediate impact is often disruption to travel and commerce, the long-term consequences can include strain on resources and potential economic losses.

Snowfall totals across the state are visualized in the map below.

Looking Ahead

A cold weather advisory remains in effect for Central Pennsylvania until 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The wind chill is expected to reach -15 degrees at times, and wind gusts up to 30 mph could potentially cause blowing and drifting snow, even on already-cleared roads. Travel conditions may remain hazardous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the highest snowfall total recorded in Pennsylvania?

New Bethlehem in Clarion County received the highest reported snowfall total, with 23 inches as of 12:17 a.m. on Monday.

Did any cities break rainfall records during this storm?

Yes, Harrisburg broke a one-day rainfall record initially set in 1978, receiving 1.49 inches of rain on Sunday.

How long will the cold weather advisory last?

The cold weather advisory for Central Pennsylvania is in effect until 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

How might these conditions impact daily routines and travel plans in the coming days?

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