Brrrrr! Frigid temps sweep into region
A massive arctic blast is gripping large swaths of the country, with dangerous wind chills impacting much of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a cold weather advisory and extreme cold warning in dozens of counties, and expects frigid conditions over the next few days. Daytime highs are expected to hover in the single digits, with wind chills dropping into negative numbers.
“It seems like most of the country is experiencing this,” said NWS Pittsburgh meteorologist Liana Lupo, noting snow is forecast for parts of the Florida panhandle.
The weather service said dangerously cold wind chills will plunge as low as 15 to 25 degrees below zero early Wednesday, especially in higher elevations of Fayette and Westmoreland counties.
A cold weather warning runs until 1 p.m. Wednesday, and the NWS Pittsburgh said temperatures won’t rise out of the single digits and low teens Tuesday, and a slow warming will begin Wednesday through the end of the week, but sub-zero wind chills will continue through Thursday.
The three-day stretch of extremely cold temperatures could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and NWS Pittsburgh encourages anyone who is outdoors to dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, gloves, and water-resistant boots.
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania also provided tips to stay safe during the extreme cold stretch.
The organization encourages people to stay warm indoors, but if their home becomes too cold, go to a public building such as a library, shopping center or warming center.
The Red Cross also warns people to be careful walking on snow or ice, and to avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. The organization also advised people to stay off roads when possible, and to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help if you become stranded. For other advice, visit www.redcross.org/winter.
The last time the region experienced three days in a row of below zero temperatures was Jan. 5 to 7, 2017, and the last time temperatures dropped to or under 10 degrees below zero was February 2015, said Lupo.
January is typically the coldest month of the year, with average high temperatures in the mid-30s and low temperatures in the lower 20s.
The extended period of frigid temperatures likely will put a strain on energy resources, as homes and businesses try to stay warm.
NWS Pittsburgh advises homeowners and others to wrap or drain water pipes, or allow them to drip slowly, to prevent them from freezing.