Brace yourselves, Pittsburgh. As the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued an Extreme Cold Warning through 11 am today, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory through Sunday morning, the city is in for a chill that promises to test the strength of even the thickest winter coat. Wind chills plummeting to a marrow-freezing 20 to 30 below are forecasted for certain parts, with a slightly less severe advisory for other counties, although "less severe" is relative when you're still facing wind chills as low as 5 to 15 below.
The frigid conditions are expected to moderate slightly throughout the day, with temperatures clawing their way to the mid-teens, although don't expect those wind chills to do much more than graze the single digits, on Groundhog Day, as forecasters predict no shadow, whether you trust a groundhog's shadow or not to dictate the weather patterns, the week ahead maintains its allegiance to the cold, regardless of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions.
Driving conditions could get dicey with the next snow event set to ride in mid-week, potentially merging a clipper with a southeast low to litter the region with more of winter's flurry fury. As reported by the National Weather Service, snow accumulation looms at 30% south of I-70, with a slightly better probability of >1 from a clipper forecasted to pass from Friday into Saturday.
The aviation industry is not left unscathed, as additional MVFR cloud conditions increase today, with models suggesting broken to overcast skies could become the norm. A Tuesday to Wednesday disturbance also looks likely to bring widespread snowfall, creating additional travel complications. In this battle against the cold, the records could tumble, with daily cold records across the region poised to be rewritten, a testament to the chill that has wrapped its icy fingers around Pittsburgh and parts beyond.
Prepare and protect are the watchwords for anyone stepping out into this arctic embrace, with advisories plastered across the state. Remember the trifecta of winter wisdom—dress in layers, keep extremities covered, and limit exposure to the merciless bite of this deep freeze. Heed the warnings, Pittsburgh, heed them well.
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