Extreme Cold Warning Issued for Philadelphia Region

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued an extreme cold warning and wind advisory for the greater Philadelphia region, with dangerously low wind chills as low as 15 degrees below zero expected. The extreme cold warning is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday midnight, while the wind advisory is in place from Saturday evening through late Saturday night.

Why it matters

Extreme cold weather can pose serious health risks, including hypothermia and frostbite, if proper precautions are not taken. The gusty winds could also lead to power outages and downed tree limbs, creating additional hazards for residents.

The details

An extreme cold warning is the most severe cold weather alert issued by NOAA, indicating extremely dangerous conditions. Residents are advised to avoid going outside if possible, and to dress in layers and cover exposed skin if they must venture out. The wind advisory warns of gusts up to 55 mph, which could blow around unsecured objects and potentially cause some power outages.

• The extreme cold warning begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 7 and is expected to end at midnight Sunday, February 8.
• The wind advisory goes into effect at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 7 and is expected to end at 9 p.m. the same day.

What’s next

Residents should closely monitor weather forecasts and heed all safety warnings from local authorities. The extreme cold and gusty winds are expected to continue through at least next weekend.