Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
59%
Microburst Confirmed in Dauphin County; Pleasant Father's Day Weekend Ahead
A microburst with winds stronger than a previously reported one struck Dauphin County on Sunday evening, creating a two-mile-long and two-mile-wide damage path with straight-line winds. Windy and humid conditions persist through Friday morning with isolated showers expected, followed by a pleasant and dry Father's Day weekend with partly sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
Quick Facts
Who
National Weather Service
What
Microburst confirmed in Dauphin and Middle Paxton townships
When
Sunday, June 18, 2026, between 7:21 and 7:26 p.m.
Where
Dauphin and Middle Paxton townships
- Microburst confirmed in Dauphin and Middle Paxton townships
- Straight-line wind damage occurred
- Wind gusts recorded across multiple locations
- Cold front moving through region
- Humidity expected to drop overnight
The National Weather Service confirmed a microburst in Dauphin and Middle Paxton townships on Sunday evening between 7:21 and 7:26 p.m., causing straight-line wind damage across the region. The damage path extended approximately two miles in length and two miles in width, with maximum winds from this microburst exceeding those from a previously reported microburst in Southern York County. Wind gusts across the area reached significant speeds, with Hummelstown recording gusts up to 40 miles per hour, while Wrightsville, Fort Indiantown Gap, Loysville, and Biglerville all experienced gusts in the 30 mile-per-hour range.
Weather conditions remain windy and humid through the evening of June 18, with isolated shower chances expected early Friday morning as a cold front moves through the region. Temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 80s, with southwesterly winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour. As the cold front passes, humidity levels will drop overnight, and conditions will gradually clear Friday afternoon.
The Father's Day weekend is forecast to be pleasant and comfortable, with high pressure dominating the weather pattern from Friday evening through Sunday. Saturday and Sunday are expected to bring wall-to-wall sunshine and partly sunny skies with temperatures in the low to mid-80s and dry conditions throughout. However, another weather system is expected to bring showers and possible thunderstorms by Monday, marking the next significant weather impact day for the region.
Why This Matters
This microburst event confirms significant severe weather impact in central Pennsylvania, with wind gusts exceeding 40 mph in some areas. Residents should monitor ongoing weather conditions through Friday and prepare for a brief window of strong winds and isolated showers before Father's Day weekend. Understanding the extent and timing of this weather system helps residents secure outdoor plans and ensure property safety during the volatile transition period.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireMicroburst strikes Dauphin and Middle Paxton townships, causing straight-line wind damage
Jun 18, 2026
WireMicroburst ends; damage assessment begins
Jun 18, 2026
WireNational Weather Service confirms microburst; WGAL reports breaking weather news
Jun 18, 2026
WireWindy and sticky conditions persist through evening with isolated showers possible
Jun 19, 2026
WireEarly Friday morning: isolated shower chances; cold front begins moving through
Jun 19, 2026
WireFriday afternoon: clearing conditions, humidity drops
Jun 21, 2026
WireFather's Day weekend begins with pleasant, dry conditions and wall-to-wall sunshine
Jun 23, 2026
WireMonday: next weather system brings showers and possible thunderstorms