Frigid Temperatures Prompt School Delays in Pittsburgh Area

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Several school districts in western Pennsylvania will operate on a two-hour delay Tuesday, February 18, due to dangerously cold temperatures and severe wind chills expected throughout the area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a cold weather advisory that begins Monday night and lasts into Tuesday morning, warning that wind chill values could plummet to between -10°F and -15°F. These extreme conditions are expected to create an impact on outdoor activities before 9 a.m.

With actual temperatures dropping significantly, the feels-like temperature could be as low as -5 to -10 degrees when students typically travel to school. This situation has prompted school officials to take necessary precautions to ensure student safety.

“It’s important to bundle up and limit time spent outdoors,” said NWS meteorologist Shannon Hefferan. “Pets should be brought inside, and safety measures should be taken, especially with space heaters.”

In addition to the delayed openings, several schools have already announced closures, including Becker, Milaca, and Prince of Peace Lutheran School. E-learning is expected for districts such as Albany and Holdingford, with child care options available during specific hours.

The weather conditions are expected to remain cold throughout the day, with high temperatures only reaching around 20°F. Wind chills will remain a concern as winds from the northwest will continue to gust up to 35 mph in some areas, exacerbating the already frigid conditions.

As early as Monday, areas including Westmoreland, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, and Indiana counties experienced the onset of heavy snow, which is now transitioning to intense cold. NWS predicts additional snow may occur Tuesday, with forecasts showing an increase in cloud cover throughout the week.

The cold snap follows a series of milder days earlier this month as the winter season continues its hold over Western Pennsylvania. With a significant warmup not anticipated until next weekend, residents are being advised to monitor weather updates and prepare accordingly.

For those looking for more detailed forecasts and potential weather advisories, local news channels and the NWS website provide continuous updates.