December 2003 Pennsylvania Weather Summary
December 2003 began with slightly above average temperatures and dry conditions. A cold front and Canadian high pressure system pulled much colder air into the region with scattered snow flurries. A low pressure system sneaked into Virginia on the 6th which produced Pennsylvania’s first significant snowfall. The heaviest snow fell across Central PA. As this low pushed out of the region, temperatures remained about average. A strong cold front and low pressure system brought heavy rain to Pennsylvania on the 11th, melting much of the snow from the previous storm. High pressure briefly settled into the region until another low pressure system pushed across the nation on the 15th which brought up to 10 inches in Central PA and the Laurel Highlands. This snowstorm was followed by several frigid mornings as temperatures fell below zero in the outlying areas of central and northern Pennsylvania.
A significant shift in the weather pattern occurred across the eastern United States during the final two weeks of the year. After a remarkably cold and snowy start to the month, one final push of polar air overtook the Commonwealth between December 15-20.
Pacific air flooded into the eastern half of the country in the days leading up to the Christmas holiday and a mild rainstorm on the 24 washed away much of the snow. However, a large disturbance aloft traversed Pennsylvania on the 25th causing snow showers in the western mountains and whitening the ground on the west facing slopes. A string of sunny, mild days marked the end of 2003 with daytime readings reaching the 50's in many places.
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Town(s) |
Date(s) |
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Max
High Temp |
69 |
Everett |
4 |
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(Daily) |
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Min
Low Temp |
-21 |
Kane |
25 |
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(Daily) |
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Max
Rainfall |
7.10" |
Laurel Summit |
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(Monthly) |
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Min
Rainfall |
1.96" |
Hanover |
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(Monthly) |
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Max
Snowfall |
64.2" |
Laurel Summit |
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(Monthly) |
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