PENNSYLVANIA — Although March marks the beginning of meteorological spring, measurable snowfall remains a regular and historically documented occurrence across Pennsylvania.
Long-term climate records show that snow can and does fall in the state during March, sometimes producing measurable accumulations, according to the National Weather Service.
According to climate data compiled from 1991–2020 by the National Centers for Environmental Information, many Pennsylvania locations average several inches of snowfall during the month. The exact amount varies by region. For example, typical March snowfall averages include about 2.3 inches in Philadelphia, around 2 inches in Pittsburgh, about 3.2 inches in Erie, and more than 7 inches in parts of northeastern Pennsylvania such as Scranton.
Meteorological data also show that snowfall in March tends to decline as the month progresses. In cities such as Pittsburgh, the average 31-day snowfall decreases from roughly 3 inches at the beginning of March to less than 1 inch by the end of the month as temperatures gradually warm.
Even so, historical weather records demonstrate that late-season snowstorms can still occur. One of the most notable examples was the March 1958 snowstorm, which produced some of the largest snow totals ever recorded in parts of eastern Pennsylvania. The storm dropped up to 38 inches in a 24-hour period in Morgantown, a statewide record for a single day of snowfall.
Other major winter events have also taken place during the month, including the March 1993 “Storm of the Century,” which brought more than 20 inches of snow to parts of the state and disrupted travel across the region.
Climatologists note that Pennsylvania’s position between colder northern air masses and milder southern systems allows winter-type storms to persist into early spring. While temperatures typically trend upward during March, occasional cold air outbreaks can still coincide with moisture-producing storm systems, creating conditions favorable for snowfall.
As a result, historical weather data shows that measurable snowfall in March is not unusual in Pennsylvania, even as the season transitions toward spring.
