Honestly, if you're stepping outside in Berks County right now, you’ve probably noticed that things are looking a bit "moody." Between the freezing fog and the gray overcast sky, reading pa weather today is definitely living up to its mid-January reputation. It’s 24°F right now, and while the wind is barely a whisper at 1 mph from the southwest, that 96% humidity makes the cold feel like it's sticking right to your skin.
You've probably heard people complaining about the "damp cold" in Pennsylvania. It's real.
Tonight, we’re looking at more of the same. The temperature is going to hover right around 27°F, which is just enough to keep things icy without actually feeling "brisk." The National Weather Service even put out a Dense Fog Advisory that lasts until midnight because visibility has been dropping to a quarter-mile or less in some spots. If you're driving home late, basically expect to see nothing but white in your headlights.
Why the "Coating to an Inch" Matters
Most people see a 40% chance of snow after midnight and just shrug it off. But here’s the thing about Reading—our geography does weird things with light precipitation. Because we’re tucked into the Schuylkill Valley, that moisture gets trapped.
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We aren't expecting a massive blizzard tonight, but we are looking at a "nuisance" snowfall. We're talking maybe a coating to an inch. In some towns, that's nothing. In Reading? That’s just enough to turn the Pagoda hill or the backroads near Wyomissing into a skating rink, especially with the freezing fog we’ve already got on the ground.
- Current Temp: 24°F
- Overnight Low: 27°F (Steady)
- Visibility: 0.50 miles (and dropping)
- Wind: Southwest at 1 mph
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is when it gets interesting. The high is only hitting 32°F. It’s going to be a "steady temp" kind of day, where the mercury doesn't really move. We’ve got a 45% chance of snow showers during the day, followed by a 25% chance tomorrow night.
What’s Actually Happening with the Snow?
The experts at the National Weather Service in Mount Holly are watching a two-part system. The first part hits us Sunday morning, likely between 4 AM and 11 AM. It’s almost a repeat of what we saw earlier this morning, but since the ground is already cold and wet, it’s going to stick way faster.
Then there’s Part 2 in the afternoon. This is the "Southern Storm" passing off the coast. While most of the heavy stuff is staying toward the beaches and the Delmarva area, Reading is right on the back edge. We might see some extra flakes between 4 PM and 8 PM. If the temp stays at that 32°F mark, it's going to be heavy, wet slush.
Looking Ahead to the Deep Freeze
If you think today is cold, just wait for the beginning of the week. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is going to be sunny, which sounds nice, until you feel the 20 mph winds. By Monday night, we’re looking at lows around 10°F.
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The wind chill values are predicted to drop to 4 below zero. Honestly, that's the kind of weather where you don't even want to take the dog out for more than two minutes. Tuesday is looking even more brutal with a high of only 20°F.
Actionable Steps for Reading Residents
Since the reading pa weather today is shifting from fog to ice, here is what you actually need to do before Monday morning:
Check your wiper fluid. With the salt trucks out and the "slushy mix" predicted for Sunday, you’re going to be spraying your windshield every five minutes. Don’t get stuck with a dry reservoir and a white-streaked windshield.
Salt your walkways tonight. Don't wait for the snow showers tomorrow morning. The freezing fog is already creating a thin layer of "black ice" on untreated surfaces. A little calcium chloride now will save your back later.
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Plan for a slow Monday commute. Even though Sunday's snow is only an inch or so, the flash freeze on Monday morning (dropping to 10°F) will turn any leftover slush into solid ice. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to defrost the car.
Watch the "feels like" temp. While the thermometer says 24°F now, the lack of wind is actually a blessing. Once those northwest winds kick in tomorrow at 8 mph, it’s going to feel significantly sharper. Layer up with moisture-wicking fabrics; the high humidity today means if you sweat while shoveling that "coating" of snow, you’ll chill way faster.