Weather: Deep Freeze Is Upon Us!
By Geoff Bansen
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- And just when you thought spring was right around the corner...
The Delaware Valley will be seeing some dangerous and near record cold this weekend, starting with today.
Winds were gusting last night, and there's still a stiff breeze this morning. Wind Chill Advisories are in effect through later this morning for the entire Delaware Valley, including a Wind Chill Warning for the Poconos. Wind chills will range from near 0 to the south to as low as -25 in the mountains!
Thankfully, the wind will gradually die down during the day on Friday. The sun will also help to warm things up, ever so slightly. Don't let it deceive you; temperatures will still barely break the 20s.
Heading into Valentine's Day Saturday, we'll see a slight temperature rebound - the mid 30s might actually feel mild after today! The first half of the day will be dry, before snow showers move in during the late afternoon and evening hours. Most areas shouldn't expect much accumulation, with the far north the only place likely to see multiple inches of snow.
As this next clipper system moves through, temperatures will begin to plummet in its wake. The wind will pick back up - this time, gusts will be in excess of 50 mph and could even approach 60 in some spots - that's tropical storm force! Sustained winds alone will be 25-35 mph.
A high wind watch has been issued beginning Saturday evening and lasting through Sunday afternoon. Any loose items outdoors should be brought inside or tied down; these are some serious winds! Wind chills are going to be unbearable, starting late Saturday night and lasting through the end of the weekend. This time, the same cold that the Poconos are seeing this morning will be moving down as far as Philadelphia! It is going to be bone-chilling no matter where you are on Sunday, with highs in the teens and wind chills below zero. Take the necessary precautions if you need to go out. Hat, scarf, gloves - the works!
Winds will begin to diminish by Monday morning, but the C-O-L-D remains! The record low of 2 in 1888 will be in jeopardy.
Thankfully, many folks - especially children - won't be subjected to these brutal conditions due to the President's Day holiday.