If you’re planning to travel across Pennsylvania over the next few days, you might want to delay that road trip or commute. A messy mix of soaking rain, strong winds, and disruptive road work is set to wreak havoc on two of the state’s busiest highways—Interstate 76 and Interstate 95—from Thursday through Tuesday. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Harrisburg, these combined threats could lead to traffic jams, dangerous driving conditions, and major delays.
What’s Coming: The Forecast in Plain Terms
Thursday (May 29):
Mild temperatures with highs around 75°F, but showers will be rolling in throughout the day, especially during the evening. Roads will be slick, and visibility may drop during heavier bursts of rain.
Friday (May 30):
Cloudy with scattered rainfall, especially in the afternoon and evening. Highs remain in the low to mid-70s. Winds pick up slightly, making driving feel unstable at higher speeds.
Saturday (May 31):
This is the day to watch. Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and the possibility of hail move into the area. Breezy with highs in the upper 60s. Expect storm drains to fill quickly — flash flooding in low-lying highway areas is possible.
Sunday (June 1):
Less stormy, but still breezy with patchy clouds. Temperatures hover around 69°F, but puddles and wet pavement from Saturday could still create hazards.
Monday–Tuesday (June 2–3):
Finally, a break in the weather. Monday looks sunny and dry with highs around 73°F, and Tuesday could even hit 79°F. But don’t let that early sunshine fool you — road conditions may still be impacted by lingering work zones.
It’s Not Just the Weather—Construction Makes It Worse
Rain is only half the story. Ongoing construction on I-76 and I-95 is expected to continue throughout the week, adding another layer of frustration to already slow-moving traffic.
Here are the trouble spots:
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I-76 Eastbound: Expect shoulder closures between Morgantown and the PA-29 exit.
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I-76 Westbound: Right shoulder work near Bedford and the Somerset Service Plaza.
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I-95 (both directions): Ongoing construction with lane shifts, reduced speed limits, and frequent delays.
Combining these traffic patterns with wet roads, low visibility, and gusty winds means even routine trips could take twice as long — or worse, lead to accidents.
Driving Tips: How to Handle This Week Safely
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Leave early to account for delays — traffic will be slower than normal during rain and construction.
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Use headlights, not high beams, during rain or low visibility.
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Watch for detours and temporary signage in work zones.
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Keep a safe distance from other vehicles — especially trucks, which are harder to control in crosswinds.
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Avoid using cruise control on wet roads, as it can increase the chance of hydroplaning.
The Bigger Picture
If you’re a Pennsylvania commuter, truck driver, or weekend traveler, this week’s mix of weather and infrastructure issues could dramatically affect your plans. Many drivers may underestimate how rain interacts with construction zones — where surfaces are uneven, lanes are narrower, and debris may be present.
And while the storm threat fades by Monday, crews will likely still be working — meaning the real impact could last well into next week. If you don’t need to travel on these corridors, it’s best to stay off the roads, or take alternate routes where possible.
