The chill in Philadelphia is no joke today as the National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory that remains in effect until 10 AM EST this morning. Residents woke up to bone-chilling temperatures and a biting wind chill that the NWS warned could dip as low as 6 below zero. The advisory spans across numerous counties including Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer, Delaware, Philadelphia, and parts of Chester and Bucks.
For those unprepared, the near-Arctic temperatures could pose serious health risks. The National Weather Service stated, "The cold wind chills as low as 5 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken." With the mercury refusing to kiss even the freezing mark until later this afternoon, bundling up is more than a suggestion; it's a necessity. While traveling outside, the agency advises wearing appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves, in a statement fraught with a possible health hazard should it remain ignored.
The cold snap extends to the night, further plunging the city into a wintry embrace with mostly clear skies and a low around 14 degrees. The brief respite tonight of a west wind calming will set the stage for Tuesday's slightly milder high near 34 degrees. But tranquility is a guest that lingers little in this wintry scene, as tomorrow night the forecast is flirting with a chance of snow after 10 PM, putting the 50% chance of precipitation into play.
Looking further ahead, Wednesday will offer a mostly sunny sky, though deceptive to those who venture out without proper attire, with a high near 31 degrees and a Northwest wind blowing between 5 to 10 mph. Preparing for fluctuations is key, as following days show an oscillation of cloud cover and the potential for more snowfall later in the week, returning us to the advisory where we began—"Keep pets indoors as much as possible," the National Weather Service cautions.
