Honestly, most people treat weather apps for Raystown Lake like they're reading a gospel. They see a little sun icon and think it’s time to hitch the boat and head to Seven Points. But if you’ve spent any real time in Huntingdon County, you know the mountains play by their own set of rules. The ridge-and-valley topography of the Alleghenies creates these weird little microclimates where it can be pouring rain at the Dam but perfectly dry and stagnant down at Weaver Falls.
Basically, the lake is a giant heat sink. It holds onto the summer warmth long after the air turns crisp in September, and it stays stubborn and icy well into April. If you're looking for a generic weather forecast for raystown lake pa, you’ll find plenty of automated sites giving you the "nearby" Huntingdon data. But those don't tell the whole story.
The Current Situation: Winter's Grip
Right now, as of late Wednesday night, January 14, 2026, things are getting a bit messy out there. The current temperature is sitting at 38°F, but with a 8 mph wind coming from the southwest, it feels more like 33°F. Humidity is high at 88%, which makes that cold just seep right into your bones.
We’re currently seeing a mix of rain and snow.
Looking at the immediate horizon, Thursday is going to be a wake-up call for anyone who thinks Pennsylvania winters are mild. We’re looking at a high of only 23°F and a low dropping down to 13°F. That’s a massive swing from today’s high of 46°F. The wind is going to kick up too—west at 18 mph—so expect some serious wind chill if you're out hiking the Terrace Mountain Trail.
Why the Forecast Changes So Fast
Raystown is 8,300 surface acres of water tucked into narrow, forested slopes. That much water influences the air immediately above it. In the summer, you get these sudden, violent thunderstorms that seem to come out of nowhere. One minute you’re floating near Mushers Rocks, and the next, the wind is whipping whitecaps across the channel.
The US Army Corps of Engineers actually monitors this stuff closely because the lake is first and foremost a flood control project. The Raystown Dam was built to protect the Juniata River valley, so when a big storm hits, they aren't just looking at the "beach weather"—they're measuring pool levels and inflow.
Season by Season: What to Actually Expect
If you're planning a trip, don't just look at the 10-day. You need to understand the seasonal cycles.
Spring (April - May)
This is the "transition" phase. While the shore might feel like 65°F, that water is still in the 40s or low 50s. If you fall in, it's not just a "brisk" swim; it's a legitimate hypothermia risk. Most campgrounds, like Seven Points, don't even open until mid-April because the ground is often too saturated or there's still a lingering chance of a late-season dusting of snow.
Summer (June - August)
This is peak season for a reason. Highs usually hover in the low 80s, but the humidity can make it feel like a sauna. This is also when the lake develops its "thermocline"—a layer of water where the temperature drops rapidly. On the surface, it might be a gorgeous 78°F, but twenty feet down, it's a different world.
Fall (September - October)
Kinda the best kept secret, honestly. The air gets crisp—perfect for the Allegrippis Trails—but the water stays warm enough for kayaking well into October. The foliage reflects off the water in a way that’s almost distracting if you’re trying to fish.
Winter (November - March)
It gets quiet. Most marinas are ghost towns. The weather forecast for raystown lake pa during this time is dominated by "lake effect" patterns. Even though Raystown isn't one of the Great Lakes, the moisture from the water can sometimes enhance local snow squalls.
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The Next 10 Days: A Cold Snap is Coming
If you're heading out this week, pack the heavy layers. After that Thursday freeze, Friday stays cold with a high of 30°F. Saturday might see a bit of a "warm" up to 39°F with more light snow, but by next Tuesday, January 20, we are looking at a brutal high of 16°F and a low of 6°F.
- Wednesday (Today): Cloudy, high 46°F, rain/snow mix tonight.
- Thursday: Light snow, much colder, high 23°F.
- Friday: Cloudy and cold, high 30°F.
- Weekend: A mix of light snow Saturday followed by a mostly cloudy Sunday. Temperatures staying in the 20s and 30s.
Planning Your Trip Based on the Skies
Don't let a "30% chance of rain" scare you off. Usually, that means a passing cell. However, if the wind is forecasted out of the West or Northwest at anything over 15 mph, the lake gets choppy. Small fishing boats should be careful in the "S-turns" where the wind can funnel and create surprisingly high waves.
Check the water levels if you’re launching. After heavy rains, the Corps might raise the pool, which can submerge some of the lower-lying courtesy docks or bring driftwood into the main channel.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
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- Check the wind speed specifically: Anything over 10-12 mph makes for a bumpy ride on the main body of the lake.
- Pack for 10 degrees colder: It always feels chillier on the water or under the dense canopy of the surrounding hills.
- Monitor the USACE gauge: If the pool level is rising fast, expect debris in the water.
- Dress in synthetic layers: Avoid cotton if you're hiking or boating; once it gets wet in this 38°F weather, it stays wet and cold.
Raystown is beautiful, but it’s a rugged kind of beauty. Respect the forecast, but keep an eye on the actual clouds over the ridge.