If you’ve ever tried to drive up Route 80 on a Friday night in January, you know the Poconos don’t play. One minute it’s a clear highway, and the next you’re white-knuckling it through a "snow globe" that feels more like a car wash with ice. Honestly, checking a weather report Poconos PA before you leave the driveway isn’t just for nerds—it’s basically survival gear.
The mountains have this weird way of doing their own thing. You can see 40 degrees in Allentown, but by the time you hit Mount Pocono or Tannersville, it's a completely different story.
What’s happening right now (and why your toes are numb)
Currently, the Pocono Mountains are sitting at a crisp 12°F. But here’s the kicker: with a northwest wind whipping through at 19 mph, that "feels like" temperature has plummeted to a brutal -7°F. If you’re heading out for a night hike or just walking from the car to a lodge, you’ve got to cover your face. That kind of cold bites fast.
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The sky is hanging onto its clouds tonight, and while there’s only a 10% chance of snow right this second, don't let that fool you. The ground is already holding onto what fell earlier, and the humidity is sticking around at 66%, making the air feel thick and heavy despite the freeze.
The weekend breakdown: Snow is definitely on the menu
Friday, January 16, is looking like a bit of a tease. We’re expecting a high of 24°F during the day with mostly cloudy skies. It’s cold, sure, but manageable if you’re moving. However, tonight (Friday night) is when the "real" winter vibes return. The chance of snow jumps to 40%, and we’re looking at a low of 13°F.
If you’re a skier or a tuber, Saturday is your day. The weather report Poconos PA shows a high of 30°F—which is basically tropical compared to earlier in the week—and a 40% chance of snow during the day. It’s that perfect "fresh powder" window before things cloud over on Saturday night.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Mostly cloudy, high of 26°F, low of 15°F. A light 20% chance of snow during the day, so it won't be a washout, but it’ll keep things looking pretty.
- Monday, Jan 19: Clear skies finally! It’ll be mostly sunny with a high of 22°F, but watch out for the wind. We’re looking at 19 mph gusts that make the 2°F low on Monday night feel like a freezer.
The "Polar Blast" Tuesday: It’s going to get weirdly cold
I’m looking at the Tuesday, January 20 forecast and, frankly, it’s a bit scary. The high is only 8°F. Yes, you read that right. The high. The low is going to be 1°F. If you have pipes that are prone to freezing or pets that like to stay outside, Tuesday is the day to be extra careful.
The silver lining? It’ll be sunny. It’s one of those "fake spring" looks where the sun is out, the sky is blue, but the air is sharp enough to cut.
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Why the Poconos weather is so unpredictable
People always ask why the forecast changes every twenty minutes up here. It’s the elevation. When you’re at 1,800 feet at the Pocono Mountains Regional Airport (KMPO), the air is thinner and cools way faster than it does down in the Lehigh Valley.
We also get hit by what the locals call "lake effect" moisture. Even if a big storm misses us to the south, the moisture from the Great Lakes can get trapped against the ridges, dumping four inches of snow on Tobyhanna while Stroudsburg just gets a cold mist.
Actionable steps for your Poconos trip:
- Check the "Feels Like" Wind Chill: The raw temperature is a lie. If the wind is over 15 mph (like it is today), you need an outer shell that blocks the breeze, not just a fuzzy sweater.
- Watch the Tuesday Temps: If you are staying in a cabin or rental next week, make sure the heat is set to at least 65°F and maybe leave the faucets dripping. A 1°F low is no joke for mountain plumbing.
- Saturday Morning Travel: With a 40% snow chance on Saturday morning, expect the North-South corridors (like 380 and 209) to be slick. The road crews are great, but they can’t be everywhere at once.
- Gear Up: For the current -7°F wind chill, you want wool socks—not cotton—and a dedicated base layer.
The Poconos are beautiful when they’re white, but they’re also loud and windy. Stay warm out there.