This blog post explains the extreme cold outbreak set to impact the Pittsburgh area this week. It summarizes the official warnings, expected temperatures and wind chills, limited snow chances, and practical safety steps to protect yourself, your family, and property.
As a meteorologist with three decades of experience, I’ll translate the forecast into clear actions you can take. These steps will help reduce the risks of frostbite, hypothermia, and cold-related damage.
What the forecast says for Pittsburgh
The region will be locked into a prolonged period of very cold air with dangerously low wind chills through the end of the week. Morning temperatures will often be at or below 0°F.
Daytime highs will struggle into the mid-teens, producing persistent sub-freezing conditions. These conditions are hazardous for anyone spending time outdoors.
Watches, warnings and timing you need to know
Local offices have issued an Extreme Cold Warning in effect through 11 a.m. today. A Cold Weather Advisory is in place from 7 p.m. today through 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Tuesday has been designated a First Alert Weather Day because forecast wind chills could approach -25°F. Additional advisories are expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Another round of Extreme Cold Warnings is likely Thursday night into Saturday morning. Extreme Cold Warnings are triggered when wind chills are expected to fall below -20°F.
These conditions can cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes. Cold Weather Advisories apply when wind chills are projected between -10°F and -20°F.
Forecast low points include roughly -5°F Friday morning and -8°F Saturday morning. Even light winds at those temperatures can push conditions into warning territory.
Health risks: frostbite, hypothermia and exposure
Prolonged exposure to these wind chills increases the risk of both frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite affects exposed skin—most commonly fingers, toes, ears, and the nose.
Hypothermia results from the body losing heat faster than it can produce it. Both can be serious and require prompt attention.
Practical precautions to stay safe
Follow these practical steps if you must be outdoors or if you care for vulnerable people and animals during this cold spell:
Snow chances and the longer outlook
Snow amounts will be minimal this round. Meteorologists expect an inch or less tonight with upslope showers after about 5 p.m.
Otherwise, only isolated snow chances are expected through next Monday. The bigger story is the persistence of cold.
Very few hours above freezing are anticipated across the next two weeks. Precautions should extend beyond a single day.
Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local media for timing changes. When warnings are in effect, treat them seriously.
Prepare your home, protect vulnerable people and animals, and minimize outdoor exposure.
Here is the source article for this story: Extremely cold temperatures will be in place for the Pittsburgh area through the end of the week