Roughly when do the leaves begin to change & when is the first snowfall? (Chambersburg: area, cities)

[lilred0005]

Hello! I just relocated to South Central Pennsylvania around the Chambersburg/Shippensburg area. I love the fall and winter months. I was curious to know approximately when the leaves begin to change in this area of PA? I am in the mountains around South Mountain near the Appalachian Trail in the Michaux State Forest. I also would love to know approximately when the first snowfall occurs. Does this area get much snow? I love chilly weather and am looking forward to a more substantial winter than I ever saw in southern Virginia. Thanks!

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by lilred0005

Hello! I just relocated to South Central Pennsylvania around the Chambersburg/Shippensburg area. I love the fall and winter months. I was curious to know approximately when the leaves begin to change in this area of PA? I am in the mountains around South Mountain near the Appalachian Trail in the Michaux State Forest. I also would love to know approximately when the first snowfall occurs. Does this area get much snow? I love chilly weather and am looking forward to a more substantial winter than I ever saw in southern Virginia. Thanks!

Leaves will change about mid/late October, first snowfall will be between late October and January.

Not specifically from that area, north of there. I recall a freak storm occurring right around Halloween in the 1990's. You'll probably see the first appreciable snow storm by early December, don't expect any semi permanent snow cover until January. Really depeds on what the weather does, last year in my area we had snow cover for more than 2 months but we had above average snow and I'm in colder climate so it doesn't get much of chance to melt.

[Sicilee]

My experience is that the leaves start to change closer to mid-late September. Some years, earlier, but it depends where you are exactly. But agree with the snowfall dates.

You are in a beautiful part of the state. I hope you have enjoyed the summer there, and that the leaves give you a good show. I'm anxious for that too, and the cooler temps. I moved here in June -- about an hour from your area -- and just love it. This last blast of warm air this week is a real downer for me. Bring on the cold!

[Craziaskowboi]

Normally, the leaves start to change color in late September, and the colors peak in mid-October. The first dusting of snow normally happens between mid-November and mid-December, and the first snowfall that requires shoveling normally happens between mid-December and mid-January. The last snowfall that requires shoveling normally happens between late February and late March, and the last dusting of snow normally happens between mid-March and mid-April.

This is what's normal, so any abnormal weather patterns can either expedite or delay this timeline. Higher elevations can also expedite the arrival of fall/winter, and delay the arrival of spring.

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by Craziaskowboi

and the last dusting of snow normally happens between mid-March and mid-April.

As I recall there was freakish storm mid May not too long ago.

[Craziaskowboi]

Originally Posted by thecoalman

As I recall there was freakish storm mid May not too long ago.

That's why I said "normally."

[ny789987]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5jswAsFtpDo

[Craziaskowboi]

The last two winters were much colder than normal in Pennsylvania. A normal winter in Pennsylvania typically has a couple of mild spells that can last up to a week each. High temperatures are normally around 60° during these mild spells, but they can climb past 70° in extreme cases.

[steel7]

I ALWAYS (even as a kid) Loved the fall weather & first snow in johnstown. The weather in penna is nice (50s-60s) but in ca its in the upper 90s & will be hot through out the week. UGH !!!

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by thecoalman

Leaves will change about mid/late October, first snowfall will be between late October and January.

Not specifically from that area, north of there. I recall a freak storm occurring right around Halloween in the 1990's. You'll probably see the first appreciable snow storm by early December, don't expect any semi permanent snow cover until January. Really depeds on what the weather does, last year in my area we had snow cover for more than 2 months but we had above average snow and I'm in colder climate so it doesn't get much of chance to melt.

How quickly you forget! It snowed in 2011, just in time for Halloween.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Halloween_nor'easter

The 2011 Halloween nor'easter, sometimes referred to as "Snowtober"[2] and "Storm Alfred",[3] was a large low pressure area that produced unusually early snowfall across the northeastern United States and the Canadian Maritimes. It formed early on October 29 along a cold front to the southeast of the Carolinas. As it moved up the East Coast, its associated snowfall broke records in at least 20 cities for total accumulations, resulting in a rare "white Halloween" two days later.