Waking up in the Lehigh Valley this morning feels like a bit of a slap in the face. It's cold. Honestly, it's that kind of deep, biting winter chill that makes you question why you didn't move south years ago. If you're heading out to grab coffee or warming up the car in Allentown, you’re looking at a temperature of 19°F right now.
But wait. That's not the whole story.
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The wind is coming out of the west at 11 mph, which basically drags that "real feel" down to a measly 7°F. If you’ve ever wondered why your face starts to hurt after walking just two blocks near PPL Center, that’s your answer. The humidity is sitting at 50%, and for now, the sky is clear, but don't let the lack of clouds fool you into thinking it's a "nice" morning. It is strictly "heavy coat and gloves" weather.
Breaking Down Today's Forecast in Allentown PA
As we move through Friday, January 16, 2026, things aren't exactly going to "heat up," but they will get slightly more manageable. We are looking at a high of 31°F today. It’s expected to be partly sunny for most of the daylight hours, so you might get a little bit of vitamin D through the windshield, even if the air itself stays crisp.
The wind is going to stay fairly consistent, hovering around 12 mph from the west. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to keep the wind chill in the low 20s even during the "warmest" part of the afternoon.
What’s Happening Tonight?
If you have plans to head out tonight, maybe to a late dinner or just running errands at the Hamilton Crossings, keep an eye on the sky. The daytime clouds are going to thicken up as we transition into the evening.
The low for tonight is 19°F.
That matches exactly where we started this morning.
However, the nighttime comes with a twist: light snow.
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While the daytime precipitation chance is a low 10%, that number jumps to 25% after the sun goes down. We aren't talking about a massive blizzard—the forecast describes it specifically as "light snow"—but in Pennsylvania, even a dusting can turn the secondary roads into a skating rink if the timing is right.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
Tomorrow is where the real shift happens. Saturday is shaping up to be much messier than today. While today is mostly dry and cold, Saturday brings a 65% chance of snow during the day. The weird part? The high is actually going to hit 39°F.
This usually means we’ll see a transition from snow to a slushy mess or even some rain as the day progresses. It’s that classic Lehigh Valley winter "wintry mix" that makes driving a nightmare.
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- Today (Friday): High 31°F, Low 19°F. Partly sunny, light snow late.
- Tomorrow (Saturday): High 39°F, Low 30°F. 65% chance of snow/rain.
- Sunday: High 32°F, Low 18°F. Mostly cloudy and back to the deep freeze.
Survival Tips for a Cold Allentown Friday
First off, check your tire pressure. These sudden drops into the teens always trigger that annoying dashboard light. Second, if you’re walking anywhere downtown, watch for "invisible" ice. With a 19°F low and some light snow tonight, those sidewalk patches from previous melts are going to be rock hard and slick.
You've probably noticed that the air feels incredibly dry. That 42% humidity during the day is great for keeping the frizz out of your hair, but it's brutal on your skin. Hydrate more than you think you need to.
If you are a commuter taking Route 22 or I-78, today is actually one of the better days of the week for visibility and road conditions, at least until that 25% chance of light snow kicks in tonight. Friday afternoon traffic is always a beast, but at least you won't be dealing with a full-blown ice storm during the 5:00 PM rush.
Basically, today is a day for layers. The difference between the 7°F wind chill this morning and the 31°F afternoon high is enough to make you sweat in a heavy parka by 2:00 PM, only to be shivering again by the time you leave the office.
Keep a scraper in the car. Even with a low chance of snow, the overnight frost and "light snow" predicted for tonight mean you’ll likely be clearing your windshield before the Saturday morning coffee run. Stay warm, Allentown.
Actionable Insights for Today:
- Layer Strategically: Wear a wind-resistant outer shell this morning to combat that 7°F wind chill.
- Evening Commute: Be mindful of the 25% snow chance after dark; even "light snow" can create slick spots on bridges and overpasses.
- Home Prep: Ensure your outdoor faucets are covered and pets are kept indoors, as the low will hit 19°F again tonight.
- Weekend Planning: If you have outdoor errands, do them today while it's dry; Saturday's 65% snow/rain chance will likely make travel much slower.