Allentown, PA: Climate Profile

Allentown is one of the most prominent cities in the State of Pennsylvania. Its climate is also rather more convenient and feasible for visitors, tourists, and even its residents. Generally speaking, the climate is classified as a transition between humid continental and humid subtropical. While majority of the year experiences the former, it’s no secret that some portion of the subtropical climate provides advantages for those who are looking for a different atmosphere.

The city’s warmest month based on average is July. The daily average temperature for the month is 23 degrees Celsius or 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the coldest month is January, again based on daily averages. This time, temperature is listed at 27.8 degrees Fahrenheit or -2.3 degrees Celsius. As for rain, average precipitation for Allentown is about 1,152 mm each year.

Just like other cities, towns, villages, and communities in the Lehigh Valley region, Allentown is also an occasional recipient of severe weather conditions. However, there are only two common occurrences. These are flooding and thunderstorms. Winters are particularly harsh, but the amount of snow varies, too. For instance, there are years when there is very little snow and there are some years when the residents experience serious snowstorms. In fact, winter snowstorms in the city are an infamous culprit of road and traffic accidents over the past few decades.

There are likewise some instances when tropical storms are able to reach Pennsylvania from the coast o the Atlantic Ocean. For instance, Hurricane Ivan took its toll on the city, causing serious damage and flooring along the way.

The Summer in Allentown

If you hate the scorching summer heat, then you should be aware that summers in the entire Eastern Pennsylvania is quite hot and humid. Temperatures can reach in the mid 80s to the low 90s. The average for high temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The all-time record is a whopping 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity meanwhile is around 80%. So let’s say you’re from the Southwest portion of the U.S. and you visit Allentown in summer; then you should prepare yourself for the extreme change in temperature.

Summers also get rain in Allentown, PA and there are several instances when it is accompanied by thunderstorms.

Winter Season

Winters on the other hand aren’t really that extreme. It can be cool to cold from time to time, but you don’t get the same extreme freezing temperatures in other parts of the country. The highest recorded temperature was 76 degrees Fahrenheit in February. Snowfall is a sure thing but the amounts vary. The most notable winter attribute in Allentown is the presence of ice, sleet, and freezing rain, causing road issues, accidents, and even resulting to temporary school closures.

Natural Disasters

The three most common summer threats in the city are tropical storms, hurricanes, and tropical depressions. However, the more serious one, though it happens only a few times, is thunderstorms. The same causes flash flooding, too. During times when there’s flash flooding, mudslides can happen, but they’re rare. There have been reported cases of earthquakes and tornadoes but no single one (major) has been recorded in recent years.