Western PA Braces for Decades-Low Wind Chills, Snow Showers

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Western Pennsylvania is enduring its coldest temperatures in decades, with wind chills plunging to life-threatening lows and a brief snowstorm expected to complicate Tuesday evening commutes. The region is under a Severe Weather Alert Day as Arctic air grips the area, bringing wind chills as low as -30° in some areas.

As of Tuesday morning, actual temperatures hovered below zero across the region, with Uniontown at -4°, Monroeville and Greensburg at 1°, and Pittsburgh at -9°. Wind chills made conditions feel even colder, with Monroeville at -14°, Greensburg at -17°, and Morgantown at -23°. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the Laurel Highlands, where wind chills could dip to -30° overnight through Wednesday morning.

“Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin,” warned meteorologist Ashley Dougherty of WTAE. “Residents should wear multiple layers, cover as much skin as possible, and protect pets from the cold ground and snow.”

A quick-moving weather system is expected to bring light snow showers Tuesday afternoon and evening, with most areas seeing less than an inch of accumulation. However, localized snow squalls could drop up to 3 inches in some areas, potentially impacting visibility during the evening commute.

Relief is on the horizon, with temperatures expected to rise into the upper 20s by Thursday and reach the 30s by the weekend. However, the immediate focus remains on surviving the brutal cold. Wednesday morning will bring another round of sub-zero wind chills, with highs struggling to reach the mid-teens.

Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure, check on vulnerable neighbors, and ensure heating systems are functioning properly. The Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Wednesday, with the worst of the cold expected to ease by Thursday.