Pennsylvania – Steel-gray skies hang low as bitter cold clamps down on western Pennsylvania this morning. Wind cuts through layers. Exposed skin stings within minutes. Pittsburgh wakes up locked in one of the harshest cold snaps of the season, with little margin for error outdoors.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for much of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia through late morning, with another advisory extending into Thursday. Wind chills have plunged as low as 15 to 20 degrees below zero in spots, levels that can cause frostbite quickly without proper protection.
In Pittsburgh, actual air temperatures hover near zero early today, while gusty winds drive wind chills well below zero. Bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets are especially vulnerable to flash freezing after any daytime melting. Drivers on I-376, I-279, Route 28, and neighborhood hills should expect slick patches, especially after sunset. Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
Schools, transit users, and outdoor workers face the greatest impacts. Officials urge residents to limit time outside, wear hats and gloves, and check on elderly neighbors. Pets should remain indoors. Prolonged exposure in these conditions can become dangerous fast.
Some relief arrives gradually late this week. Sunshine helps, but highs stay stuck in the teens through Friday. Overnight lows remain near or below zero, keeping pipes and heating systems under strain. Meteorologists are also monitoring the weekend, when temperatures remain cold enough that any snow showers could quickly coat roads.
This cold is tied to a larger Arctic outbreak gripping much of the eastern U.S., reinforced by extensive ice across the Great Lakes. That frozen landscape helps lock the cold in place.
Five-Day Outlook for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Today: Partly sunny, high near 15
Tonight: Mostly clear, low near −2
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 17
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 15
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 15
