Honestly, if you’re asking about the temperature in Scranton right now, you’re probably either planning a trip to see the Steamtown National Historic Site or you’re just bracing yourself for a commute on I-81. Scranton weather is famously fickle. It’s the kind of place where you can see all four seasons in a single work week.
Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026, the current temperature in Scranton is 21°F.
But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t actually feel like 21. Thanks to a 13 mph wind coming out of the west, the feels-like temperature is a biting 9°F. It’s cloudy, it's dark, and there’s a small 10% chance of some stray snow flurries floating around. Basically, if you’re heading out, you need the heavy coat, the "good" gloves, and maybe a scarf if you're walking any distance.
What’s the rest of the night look like?
If you were hoping for a warmup, I’ve got bad news. The forecast for the remainder of the night calls for light snow with a low reaching 16°F. Earlier today, we hit a high of 35°F, which felt almost balmy compared to the deep freeze settling in now.
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Humidity is sitting at 55%—typical for a Pennsylvania winter night where the air feels thin and crisp.
Scranton’s Temperature: Why It’s Always a Little Weird
You’ve probably noticed that Scranton doesn't always match the weather in Philly or even Allentown. That’s mostly due to the geography. We’re tucked into the Lackawanna Valley, surrounded by the Moosic Mountains to the east and the West Mountain to the west.
This topography creates a "bowl" effect. Cold air likes to settle in the valley, especially at night. It’s why you might see 25°F on your dashboard downtown, but by the time you drive up toward Montage Mountain or Clark’s Summit, the temperature has dropped another five degrees and the rain has turned into a legitimate snowstorm.
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The Numbers You Should Know
If we look at the historical averages, January is officially the coldest month of the year here.
- Average Highs: Usually hover around 34°F.
- Average Lows: Typically dip to about 20°F.
- The Extremes: On January 21, 1994, Scranton hit a record low of -21°F. On the flip side, we’ve seen January days hit the mid-60s.
It's that variance that catches people off guard. One day you're scraping ice off your windshield at 5:00 AM, and three days later, you're seeing people wear shorts at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail because it hit 55°F.
Beyond the Thermometer: Surviving the Wind Chill
When people ask "what is the temperature in Scranton," they usually care more about how it feels. In the winter, the wind is the real protagonist. The city is susceptible to those western winds that whip through the valley.
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Today is a perfect example. A 13 mph wind doesn't sound like much on paper, but when it drops the "real feel" from 21°F to 9°F, it changes your entire day. It’s the difference between a brisk walk and a painful sprint to your car.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
Looking at the data from the National Weather Service, this cold snap isn't going anywhere immediately. We’re seeing a pattern of "light snow" and "overcast" for the next 24 hours.
- Humidity Check: At 55% to 58%, the air is dry enough to make your skin crack but damp enough to make the cold feel "heavy."
- Precipitation: We have a 70% chance of snow during the day and 20% tonight. It's not a blizzard, but it's enough to make the roads slick.
- Visibility: With the current cloud cover and light snow, visibility is decent, but the lack of sun (UV Index is 0) makes the day feel shorter than it already is.
Pro Tips for the Electric City
If you’re living here or just visiting, don't trust the "high" temperature for the day. Always look at the overnight low. In Scranton, the temperature often drops precipitously the moment the sun goes down behind the ridge.
Layers aren't just a suggestion; they're a survival strategy. You want a moisture-wicking base layer because the humidity can make you clammy if you over-exert yourself, topped by something windproof.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the wind speed: If it's over 10 mph, subtract 10 degrees from whatever the thermometer says.
- Watch the ridges: If you see clouds "sitting" on top of the mountains surrounding the city, expect the valley temperature to stay trapped and chilly all day.
- Prep your car: Keep an extra jug of de-icer fluid. Scranton’s "light snow" often turns into a stubborn glaze on windshields when the temp hovers near that 21°F mark.