Honestly, if you've ever spent a winter in the Wyoming Valley, you know the drill. You wake up, look out the window at the Susquehanna, and pray the "valley effect" doesn't turn your commute into a slushy nightmare. Today, January 17, 2026, Wilkes-Barre is living through one of those classic Northeast PA winter Saturdays where the air feels like a damp wool blanket.
Right now, it's 34°F. That might sound manageable, but the wind is kicking in from the southwest at 6 mph, making it feel more like 28°F. You've basically got a "feels like" temp that’s hovering just under freezing, which is that perfect, annoying range where snow turns to ice the second it touches the pavement.
The Snow Situation
The National Weather Service in Binghamton isn't playing around today. There’s a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 4:00 PM. We’re looking at total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches by the time the system moves out.
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It’s that "southerly upslope flow" thing. Basically, the wind hits the hills around the valley and gets forced upward, which squeezes out extra moisture. If you’re living up on the higher ground near the VA Hospital or heading toward Laurel Run, you’re probably seeing more white stuff than the folks down near Public Square.
The chance of precipitation is sitting at 45% for the rest of the day. It’s not a constant blizzard, but more of a persistent, annoying snow shower that makes the roads slippery enough to be dangerous.
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Why the Valley Makes It Weird
A lot of people think Wilkes-Barre weather is just "Scranton lite," but the topography matters. The valley floor often traps cold air, creating a microclimate that can be wildly different than what’s happening just 20 minutes away in the Poconos.
Tonight, the temperature is going to drop to a low of 26°F. Humidity is high—around 74%—so expect some fog or frost to settle in once the sun goes down. The wind will pick up slightly to 8 mph, keeping that southwest chill alive.
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Looking Ahead to Next Week
If you’re hoping for a thaw, I've got bad news. Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is looking partly sunny but crisp, with a high of 30°F. The real kicker comes Tuesday. We’re talking a high of only 18°F and a low of 9°F. That’s "stay inside and order Grotto Pizza" kind of cold.
Historical data shows that January 22 is usually our coldest day of the year on average, and 2026 is leaning right into that trend. We are firmly in the "frigid" category for the foreseeable future.
Real-World Survival Tips
- Check the 511PA App: Seriously, the stretch of I-81 between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton is notorious for black ice during these 34-degree snow showers.
- Salt Early: With the low hitting 26°F tonight, any slush on your driveway is going to turn into a skating rink by 8:00 PM.
- Layer Up: The UV index is 0. There is no warmth coming from that sun today.
Keep an eye on the sky until that 4:00 PM advisory expires. If you don't have to be out on the North Cross Valley Expressway, stay home.
Actionable Next Steps: Clear your windshield and wipers completely before the sun sets, as the dropping temperatures will freeze any remaining slush into a solid block by tonight. Check your tire pressure this evening; the sudden drop toward single digits early next week will likely trigger your "low pressure" sensor.