Cold weather advisory issues warnings for dangerous wind chills in Pennsylvania

Southeast Michigan is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures, as bitter cold air moves into the region. This frigid weather follows a recent snowstorm and is expected to last for the first half of the week. The high temperatures are forecasted to remain only in the upper teens for Monday through Wednesday, with gusty west winds nearing 30 miles per hour contributing to dangerously low wind chills. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the perceived temperature will be well below zero, posing risks for individuals exposed to such conditions. In the Pittsburgh area, a cold weather advisory has been issued due to the forecast of sub-zero wind chills across the region. The National Weather Service has highlighted the warnings for counties including Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana, and parts of Fayette and Westmoreland through 10 a.m. Tuesday. Wind chills are expected to drop to as low as -13 degrees, while northern areas like Oil City may experience even more severe temperatures between -15 and -25 degrees. When wind chills reach these extreme levels, the risk of hypothermia increases significantly without proper precautions. Due to the anticipated cold, nearly 100 schools and organizations in the Pittsburgh area have adjusted their schedules or issued delays for Tuesday. The City of Pittsburgh is responding to the cold by activating six Healthy Active Living Centers as warming shelters for the public, open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The National Weather Service has advised that even if individuals are not located in the designated cold weather advisory areas, they should still take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and their household items from the impacts of extreme cold. Residents are given essential tips to cope with the cold weather, which include ensuring that furnace filters are changed for efficient heating, maintaining consistent thermostat settings, checking propane tank levels, and making arrangements to prevent pipes from freezing. For those using space heaters, safety practices include keeping the area clean, avoiding extension cords, and never using them while sleeping. These measures are crucial for safety as the region braces for the deep freeze expected in the coming days.