Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Bitter Arctic air is settling into western Pennsylvania tonight, bringing single-digit air temperatures and dangerous wind chills that will persist into Tuesday morning, raising concerns for both personal safety and travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, overnight temperatures are expected to fall into the single digits, while wind chills drop into the negative single digits and teens across much of the region. The coldest conditions are expected overnight and during the early Tuesday morning commute.
NWS Pittsburgh indicates that Extreme Cold Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories are in effect for parts of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia. Wind chills this low can cause frostbite on exposed skin in a short period of time, especially when winds remain elevated.
While no new precipitation is expected, the extreme cold may still impact roadway conditions. Any residual moisture on roads could refreeze overnight, creating slick spots that are difficult to detect in the dark. Drivers should be especially cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways.
Motorists traveling overnight or early Tuesday should use caution on Interstate 79, Interstate 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), Interstate 376, Interstate 279, and Interstate 70, where refreezing can occur even on treated surfaces during extreme cold.
The National Weather Service urges residents to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, cover exposed skin, and ensure pets are brought indoors. Those who must travel should allow extra time, ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and keep emergency supplies on hand.
Commuters, students, and early-morning workers in the Pittsburgh area should plan for dangerously cold wind chills through Tuesday morning and remain alert for slick travel conditions.
Conditions are expected to gradually moderate later Tuesday, but cold weather will remain entrenched across the region through midweek.
