Polar vortex to bring severe cold, freezing weather
Temperatures will plunge to -1 degrees.
January 29, 2019
MOON TOWNSHIP – A winter weather system moving into the western Pennsylvania region this week will bring subzero temperatures to the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, temperatures on Wednesday are expected to drop to a low of -1 degree with a high of only 12 degrees.
Wind Chill Warnings/Advisories issued that start tonight and run through Thursday night/Friday morning. For details for your location, visit https://t.co/XcffZBrgkd, or https://t.co/JWLI3e1waM in your phone's web browser! Also, check out https://t.co/acyua9mSFs for safety tips! pic.twitter.com/Spm2vnDCjX
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) January 29, 2019
The NWS issued a Wind Chill Advisory for the Pittsburg region which takes effect at 5 a.m. Wednesday and will remain active until 5 p.m. Thursday evening.
Thursday will bring a slight warm up with temperatures rising to a high of 13 degrees and a low of 7 degrees. Seasonal averages will return to the area on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Get ready, the arctic front has just moved into western PA! Arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values over the next two days. https://t.co/ObpOfVDvLZ #WinterScience pic.twitter.com/JrkPKJ5aYE
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) January 29, 2019
Wind chills during the advisory could reach as cold as -20 degrees. In the subzero temperatures the area will experience this week, officials say that frostbite and hypothermia are major concerns.
So what is a polar vortex exactly? Here is a quick visual and summary to explain why extreme cold air is moving in this week. pic.twitter.com/53z98oSgu8
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) January 29, 2019
Experts recommend staying indoors if possible. The National Weather Service says if you must go outside, try to limit the amount of exposed skin.