Honestly, if you're looking up the weather in Dallas, PA 18612, you're probably trying to figure out if you need to shovel the driveway or if that "dusting" everyone’s talking about is actually going to turn into a full-blown Back Mountain blizzard. People often confuse our Dallas with the one in Texas. Big mistake. While they're dealing with 100-degree heat, we’re usually wondering why the sun disappeared in November and hasn't come back yet.
Right now, it's pretty classic January stuff. The current temperature is sitting at 25°F, but it feels more like 20°F because of a light 4 mph wind coming out of the southwest. It’s cloudy, which is basically the official color of Dallas in the winter. Humidity is high at 95%, so the air feels heavy and biting.
The Forecast for Dallas PA 18612 Right Now
If you're heading out tonight, Saturday, January 17, keep the scraper handy. We’re looking at a low of 24°F with a 35% chance of snow. It’s not a "stock up on milk and bread" kind of storm, but it's enough to make the roads slick.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things stay chilly. The high is only hitting 29°F and the low is going to bottom out at 12°F. You'll see snow showers in the morning—again about a 35% chance—so if you have plans at Misericordia University or you’re headed toward the PA-309, give yourself an extra ten minutes.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe With Boiled Eggs That Actually Makes Breakfast Interesting Again
Here is the quick look at the next few days:
- Monday: Light snow with a high of 24°F. The real story is the wind—15 mph from the southwest making it feel much colder.
- Tuesday: It gets brutal. Sunny, but a high of only 13°F and a low of 2°F.
- Wednesday: Clouds return, high of 28°F, and more snow showers at night.
Why the "Back Mountain" Microclimate is Real
You've probably noticed it. You drive from Wilkes-Barre up the hill, and suddenly the rain turns to slush, then to full-on snow by the time you hit the Dallas CVS. It’s not your imagination. The elevation here—around 1,286 feet—creates a microclimate that’s often 5 degrees colder than the valley.
Historically, January is our coldest month for a reason. Average highs usually hover around 33°F, which is exactly where we are today. But it's the cloud cover that really gets people. January in Dallas is overcast about 62% of the time. It’s the kind of gray that makes you appreciate the three hours of sun we might get on a Tuesday.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
What to Actually Expect This Season
Looking at the data from the National Weather Service, this month has been trending colder than the 20th-century average for the Northeast. We’re seeing more frequent cold air outbreaks.
While some people remember the 1957 tornado or the big floods of '96, Dallas weather is usually a game of endurance rather than sudden catastrophe. It’s the "lake-effect machine" that brings those persistent snow showers we're seeing in the forecast for the next week. We get about 39 inches of precipitation a year, and a lot of that comes in the form of these annoying, small snow events that keep the salt trucks busy.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is keep an eye on the wind chill. When that wind kicks up to 14 or 15 mph on Monday and Tuesday, that 13°F high is going to feel like sub-zero.
📖 Related: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
Actionable Insights for Dallas Residents:
- Tuesday Prep: Since the low is dropping to 2°F on Tuesday night, check your tire pressure now. Radical temperature drops like this cause the air in your tires to contract, usually triggering that annoying dashboard light.
- Salt Early: With 35% snow chances tonight and tomorrow, the ground is cold enough for it to stick immediately. A light layer of salt tonight will prevent the "flash freeze" on your sidewalk tomorrow morning.
- Layer Up: Monday’s 15 mph winds are the real danger. If you’re walking the trails near the Kirby Park area or just heading into town, go for wind-resistant outer layers. Fleece won't cut it when the wind is cutting through you.
Keep the windshield fluid topped off. Between the road salt and the constant light snow, you'll be using it more than you think this week.