National Weather ServicePennsylvaniaFreeze WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Watches in Pennsylvania
The National Weather Service issued 5 freeze watches for Pennsylvania in 2025 and 12 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 13th most of any state. 2026 through September: 15, 103% above the average of 7 for those months in 2008-2025. Dauphin was covered most often (40 times since 2008).
How many freeze watches does Pennsylvania get?
Every freeze watch that covered part of Pennsylvania. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 15 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2012 | 46 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2008 | 5 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Pennsylvania get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Pennsylvania?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dauphin | 40 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Adams | 40 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| York | 39 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Lancaster | 39 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Cumberland | 39 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Lebanon | 37 | 6 | April 21, 2026 |
| Snyder | 36 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Union | 35 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Northumberland | 35 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Montour | 35 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Berks | 35 | 7 | April 21, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 34 | 13 | May 12, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a freeze watch?
A freeze watch means temperatures at or below 32°F are possible during the growing season. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Pennsylvania.