Synopsis:

Two disturbances will be moving into the region over the course of the next 24 hours.  These systems will merge Friday evening and form an intensifying nor'easter which will slide up the eastern seaboard before departing Saturday evening.  Skies will clear late Saturday as high pressure temporary makes a visit.  Temperatures dip for Saturday and Saturday night but quickly rebound for Sunday and Monday out ahead of our next system.  This system will pass through Monday bringing rain and then a few light snow showers on the back side.  Temperatures will drop late Monday.

Short-Term:

Generally cloudy across the state this evening and overnight.  Could be a few breaks in the clouds this evening in the west but cloud cover will quickly change to overcast overnight as two disturbances move into the region.  With warmer air out ahead of the western disturbance and cold air currently in place, some overriding is likely to take place especially in the western and southern zones of Pennsylvania.  This will likely lead to freezing rain as rain falls and makes contact with sub-freezing surfaces. Current SREF runs and GFS, NAM soundings indicate high probability of freezing rain/drizzle. 850mb temperatures will drop as the morning progresses and by late morning all precipitation will be in the form of snow.  These two disturbances will merge later Friday and intensify into a large nor'easter which will slide up the eastern seaboard Friday night and into Saturday evening.  Eastern Pennsylvania, especially the Poconos, will feel the largest impacts in the form of heavy snowfall. Less affected will be the southwestern portion of the state including the city of Pittsburgh.

Long-Term:

The nor'easter will depart Saturday evening and will lead to gradual clearing across the state from west to east as high pressure temporarily settles in.  With snow across much of the state, high pressure, and light winds, temperatures will take a big drop overnight Saturday.   Clear skies will continue through Sunday evening as clouds associated with our next system begin to move in.  Strong warm air advection will take place out ahead of this intensifying disturbance allowing temperature to rise well above average for Sunday and early Monday.  A draping cold front will sweep across the state during the day Monday bringing rain showers.  As it departs, colder air will filter in with the possibility of a few light snow showers.