Extreme Cold Watch Issued For Pittsburgh Area

PITTSBURGH, PA — The National Weather Service has issued an extended Extreme Cold Watch for Pittsburgh and much of Western Pennsylvania.The watch will go into effect Sunday night and will last until Thursday morning.

Temperatures during that period will be as much as 30 degrees below normal. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero are possible and potentially as low as 30 below in higher elevations.

The coldest period most likely is from Monday to early Wednesday, with the coldest wind chills during the morning hours Tuesday and Wednesday.

How dangerous will it be? The weather service warns that wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to such temperatures.

In homes, an extended period of extreme freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes. To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.

The weather service advises people to keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.

Additionally, the weather service suggests making frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.

Portable heaters should be used correctly. Generators or grills should not be used indoors.