If you’ve lived in Columbia County for more than a week, you know the drill. You look out the window at the North Mountain, see a specific shade of gray, and start wondering if the Fishing Creek is going to behave itself or if you need to move the tractor to higher ground. The weather forecast Benton PA offers isn't just about a number on a screen; it's a constant negotiation with the geography of the Northern Allegheny Plateau.
Right now, we are staring down the barrel of a classic January stretch.
Today, January 15, 2026, things are getting messy. We’ve had that damp, bone-chilling humidity hanging around 90% overnight, but as the sun tries to poke through, the temperature is struggling to stay above freezing. We’re looking at a high of 31°F today, but don't let that fool you. The wind is kicking up from the west at about 17 mph, which basically means if you aren't wearing a Carhartt, you’re going to feel every bit of that wind chill.
The Immediate Forecast: Snow and Shifting Winds
Honestly, the next few days are going to be a bit of a roller coaster.
Tonight, the mercury is going to tank down to 18°F. We’ve got a 20% chance of snow showers, which usually means "dusting to an inch" depending on which side of the hill you’re on. Friday looks similar—light snow, a high of 29°F, and more of that southwest breeze.
Saturday is where it gets interesting.
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The probability of snow showers jumps up to 35%, and the high might actually hit 36°F. That’s that weird Pennsylvania "sweet spot" where the roads get slushy, then freeze solid the second the sun goes down. If you’re planning a trip out to Ricketts Glen or just heading into town for supplies, Saturday evening is the time to be careful.
By Sunday, the clouds break a bit. It’ll be partly sunny, but the temperature is going to drop again, topping out at only 25°F.
Looking Toward Next Week
- Monday (MLK Day): Light snow returns, high of 25°F, low of 7°F.
- Tuesday: Bracingly cold. We’re talking a high of 14°F and a low of 6°F.
- Wednesday: A slight "warm-up" to 22°F with more snow showers likely.
Why the Benton Forecast is So Hard to Predict
Microclimates. That’s the short answer.
Benton sits in a spot where the terrain does most of the talking. Because we're nestled near the base of the mountains, we often get "trapped" air. You’ll see a forecast for Bloomsburg that says it’s 40 degrees and raining, but up here in Benton, that rain hits the colder air sitting in the valley and turns into a skating rink of sleet.
The National Weather Service out of State College does a great job, but even they admit that the Ridge and Valley province of PA creates massive variations. Local elevation plays a huge role. If you live up toward Central, you might see three more inches of snow than the folks living right on Main Street.
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It’s also worth noting that our average snowfall for January is usually around 12.6 inches. This year, we’re seeing a pattern of "clipper" systems—fast-moving storms that don't dump a foot of snow at once but keep us in a constant state of "dusting" and "flurries."
Dealing With the "January Thaw" (Or Lack Thereof)
A lot of people ask about the January thaw. Historically, we usually get a few days where the temp climbs into the 40s and we see some melting. Looking at the 2026 data, we aren't seeing much of that in the immediate cards. Instead, we’re stuck in a persistent Arctic flow.
This means the ice on the creek is going to get thick. For the ice fishermen out there, this is great news, but for homeowners, it means keeping an eye on those gutters. Ice dams are a real threat when the temp hovers right at 30 during the day and drops to the single digits at night.
What to Actually Wear This Week
Forget the light jackets.
You need layers. With humidity levels sitting around 50% to 60% during the day, the cold "clings" to you.
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- Base layer: Moisture-wicking (the humidity is high, you don't want to get damp).
- Insulation: Wool or heavy fleece.
- Shell: Something to break that 15+ mph wind.
The Long-Term View
Climate trends in Pennsylvania show we’re getting "warmer and wetter" on average, with a 1.8°F increase over the last century. However, that doesn't mean our winters are disappearing. It actually means when it does get cold enough to snow, the storms can be more intense because the atmosphere holds more moisture.
For the rest of January 2026, expect the "very cold" label to stick. The Farmers' Almanac and local meteorological models suggest that the end of the month might bring a more significant "Snow south, rain north" event, but for Benton, we’re firmly in the "Snow" category for the foreseeable future.
Practical Steps for Benton Residents
Given the upcoming drop to 6°F next Tuesday, now is the time to check your heating oil or firewood supply. If you're using heat tape on your pipes, make sure it's actually drawing power. These sustained sub-freezing temperatures are exactly when the older farmhouses in the area start to show their age.
Also, keep an eye on the wind gusts. We've seen predictions of up to 35 mph. In a town with as many beautiful old trees as ours, that usually means a few limbs coming down. If you’ve got patio furniture still sitting out, Saturday’s wind might decide to move it for you.
Stay warm, keep the salt bucket by the door, and maybe check on your neighbors when that 6-degree low hits next week.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your vehicle's antifreeze levels and tire pressure today, as the 20-degree temperature swing between now and Sunday will cause your PSI to drop significantly. Ensure your emergency kit includes a heavy blanket and a bag of grit or sand for traction, especially if you have to travel Saturday evening when the slush begins to flash-freeze.