Philadelphia and the surrounding region spent Monday under dangerously cold conditions as an Arctic air mass remained locked over the Delaware Valley. Although skies were mostly sunny for much of the day, wind chills dropped as low as 10 degrees below zero across the region, creating hazardous conditions for anyone outside.
A cold weather advisory was in effect until 10 a.m. Monday for southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and northern Delaware. At the same time, an extreme cold warning covered the Pocono Mountains through 10 a.m., where wind chills reached 20 degrees below zero. Monday’s temperature peaked at only 29 degrees before falling overnight to 7 degrees.
The extreme cold came on the heels of a bitter weekend that had kept many residents indoors and left snow and ice firmly in place on streets, sidewalks, and shaded surfaces. With temperatures remaining well below freezing, melting was limited, leaving slick patches that continued to pose risks for pedestrians and drivers.
Relief began to arrive on Tuesday as temperatures rose above freezing for the first time in several days. The National Weather Service forecast a high of 40 degrees on Tuesday, with an overnight low of 18. CBS News Philadelphia’s outlook said, “After Monday, we warm above freezing each day this week to the mid and upper 30s, with low 40s possible for some.”
Wednesday was expected to bring partly sunny skies and another high of 40 degrees, followed by an overnight low of 33. Thursday was forecast to remain partly sunny with a high of 36 and a low of 30. Warmer daytime temperatures were expected to melt snow and ice, but nightly refreezing created the potential for icy conditions each morning, including during the Tuesday commute.
A weak weather system passing north of Philadelphia on Tuesday night was expected to bring a small chance of sprinkles or wintry precipitation to areas north of the city from Tuesday evening into the overnight hours. Most of the region, however, was forecast to remain dry through Saturday.
Heading into Valentine’s Day weekend, Friday was expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 37 and a low of 23. Saturday, February 14, was forecast to be partly cloudy with temperatures reaching 38 degrees and dropping to 20 overnight. Sunday’s outlook called for possible precipitation with a high of 36 and a low of 23.
Meteorologists were also monitoring a larger storm system that could affect the region next weekend. According to CBS News Philadelphia, “The models are conflicted on a large storm bringing rain and snow to the area. Some forecast models say yes, while other models aren’t so impressed with the idea.” The period of concern was Sunday into Monday.
Monday’s dangerous wind chills had prompted weather alerts across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and northern Delaware. With feels-like temperatures of 10 below zero in the Delaware Valley and 20 below zero in the Poconos, exposed skin could develop frostbite within 30 minutes.
In Philadelphia’s River Wards neighborhoods, the cold brought icy streets, temporary business disruptions, and increased use of community warming centers for residents without adequate heat.
As the week progressed, temperatures were set to moderate into the mid and upper 30s, but daily freeze-thaw cycles were expected to keep morning travel slick as melted snow and ice refroze overnight.
