UPDATE: An intense Arctic air mass is currently engulfing the Lehigh Valley, Poconos, and northwestern New Jersey, bringing potentially record-breaking cold temperatures and life-threatening wind chills that will last through the end of the week. The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory effective until 10 a.m. Wednesday for the entire region, urging residents to prepare for dangerously low temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to plunge below zero, with daytime highs struggling to reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind chills will range from zero to negative 10 degrees, and could drop to as low as negative 20 degrees in some areas, particularly northwest of the I-95 corridor. This extreme cold poses serious risks to health and infrastructure, making it crucial for residents to limit outdoor exposure and dress in multiple layers to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Meteorologists are also closely monitoring the potential for a snowstorm next weekend, following Sunday’s snowfall of 11.8 inches at Lehigh Valley International Airport, setting a record for January 25. The forecast shows continued frigid conditions with daytime highs remaining in the mid to upper teens and overnight lows consistently dropping to single digits or below zero.
Residents are advised to ensure home heating systems are operational, protect plumbing from freezing, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets. Wind gusts could exacerbate the already extreme cold, pushing wind chills to dangerously low levels, especially in the Poconos.
While the exact details of the upcoming storm remain uncertain, probabilities of snow next weekend range from 20% to 50%, depending on location. The cold air mass is expected to linger, maintaining the frigid conditions into early next week. Local weather stations may challenge records for both low temperatures and low maximum temperatures during this cold spell.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as conditions evolve. Share this urgent news to keep your community informed and safe during this extreme weather event.
