Pittsburgh Weather: The Coldest Air We've Seen In Years Heading Into Area
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The coldest temperatures we've seen in years are moving into the Pittsburgh area this week, but not before another round of snow.
According to KDKA's Jon Burnett, by mid-week temperatures will be in the single digits with lows at zero or below and sub-zero wind chills.
- RELATED STORY: Warmer In Parts Of The Arctic: Polar Vortex Ushering In Dangerous Chill, How To Prep For The Cold
Meteorologist Ray Petelin says the first of a couple fronts will push through the area Monday night. This will stir up rain showers, however these will transition to snow early Wednesday.
Accumulations will be around an inch for most places, but with the falling temperatures, slick spots could develop Tuesday.
The next front will push in late Tuesday night into Wednesday. This will stir up another around of snow showers, but the bigger story is the frigid temperatures that will break loose as a result.
The coldest temperatures of the season, coupled with dangerously low wind chills will put an frigid grip on the region Wednesday and Thursday.
The forecast isn't all cold, though. Early next week, we could see temperatures return to the 50s. That means in one week's time, the Pittsburgh area could see temps below zero, in the single digits, in the teens, the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
WEATHER LINKS:
Current Conditions | School Delays & Closings | Local Radar | Weather App | Photos
"If you do not have to go outside, please try to stay inside," Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones said Monday.
That's the warning from city of Pittsburgh public safety officials.
"People don't realize that we have more deaths to weather-related incidents than we have active shooter events across the country," Jones said.
With two back-to-back days of single-digit temperatures later this week and the wind chill below zero, officials want to remind Pittsburghers to be ready.
"We are prepping for the cold weather by having warming centers open during the day and if need be, if there's major power outages," Jones said.
Warming centers will be open until 9 p.m., and police and EMS will be out checking on the homeless.
"Animals, animal care and control, they will be staffed just in case anyone decides to leave their dogs out during nighttime hours," Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said.
Another concern will be the ice.
"Slip and falls, have any meltdown today or runoff is going to be frozen constantly for the next few days. So we have to be careful for slip and falls. Especially the elderly," Pittsburgh EMS Chief Ron Romano said.
So how are Pittsburghers preparing for the temperature drop?
"I'm gonna bundle up," Sheraden resident Shark Kelsey said.
"Pipes mostly. Gotta keep water on dripping. Hopefully they don't freeze over," Crafton resident Kara Freeman said.
Officials urge anyone to call the mayor's 311 line or 911 if you need help or a warm place to stay.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on the weather conditions.
Stay up to date with the KDKA app, which you can download here.
