Cleveland, Ohio – A potentially dangerous surge of Arctic air is setting the stage for life-threatening cold across northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania early this week, prompting officials to warn residents to prepare now.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, an Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon for a wide swath of Ohio and Pennsylvania, with portions of northern West Virginia also included. Wind chills could plunge as low as 24 to 25 below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
The watch spans much of northern and eastern Ohio, including Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Canton, Mansfield, Sandusky, Lorain, Medina, Youngstown, and Warren. In Pennsylvania, the threat extends from Erie and Meadville south through the Pittsburgh metro area, Beaver, Butler, Washington, Westmoreland, and Fayette counties. Bitter wind chills are also possible in nearby West Virginia communities such as Wheeling, Morgantown, and Fairmont.
Statewide impacts could include increased strain on heating systems, a heightened risk of frozen pipes, and dangerous conditions for anyone without adequate shelter. Travel may become hazardous during peak cold periods, especially if vehicles fail or motorists are stranded outdoors.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, fully cover exposed skin, bring pets indoors, and allow faucets to drip slowly to prevent frozen pipes. Checking on elderly neighbors and those without reliable heat is strongly encouraged.
The Extreme Cold Watch signals a high likelihood of dangerously cold conditions, and it may be upgraded to a warning as confidence increases. The coldest air is expected Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, with additional updates likely as the event approaches.
