How does Pittsburgh's snowfall compare to other cities in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh's snowfall is a significant aspect of its winter climate, and when compared to other cities in Pennsylvania, it showcases a diverse range of winter weather experiences across the state.

Pittsburgh's snowfall compare to other cities in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh's Snowfall

Pittsburgh typically receives an average of 40 to 50 inches of snow annually. However, recent reports indicate that the city has been experiencing below-average snowfall, with a deficit of 17.1 inches compared to seasonal norms as of early December 2024

. This trend reflects broader climatic changes affecting snowfall patterns across Pennsylvania.

 

Comparison with Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, located in the southeastern part of the state, experiences significantly less snowfall than Pittsburgh. The city has recorded extended periods without substantial snow, including a notable 715 days without more than one inch of snowfall during the winter season leading up to January 2024

. Typically, Philadelphia averages around 20 to 30 inches of snow per year, making it one of the least snowy major cities in Pennsylvania.

 

Allentown

Allentown, situated in the Lehigh Valley, has also shown variability in snowfall. Unlike Pittsburgh, which has seen deficits this season, Allentown was reported as the only Eastern U.S. location above its seasonal snowfall total as of mid-February 2024

. Allentown generally receives about 30 to 40 inches of snow annually.

 

Erie

In contrast, Erie, located in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania near Lake Erie, is known for its heavy snowfall due to lake-effect snow. Erie often exceeds 100 inches of snow each year, making it one of the snowiest cities in the United States. This significant difference highlights how geographical factors greatly influence snowfall amounts across Pennsylvania.

Summary Table

CityAverage Annual Snowfall (Inches)Recent Snowfall Trends

Pittsburgh	40-50	Below average by 17.1 inches
Philadelphia	20-30	Extended dry periods noted
Allentown	30-40	Above seasonal total recently
Erie	100+	Consistently high due to lake effect

Conclusion

Pittsburgh's snowfall is substantial compared to cities like Philadelphia and Allentown but pales in comparison to Erie. The variability in snowfall across Pennsylvania underscores the influence of geographic and climatic factors on winter weather patterns. As climate change continues to impact weather systems, understanding these trends becomes increasingly important for residents and planners alike.