02/05/2026
With or Without Wind, Cold Is Cold
No matter how you describe it, “feels-like” temperature or just plain cold, Pennsylvania winters can be brutal and January and early February are no different.
Daily high temperatures stayed in the single digits, while overnight lows dropped well below zero for multiple nights in a row. Adding wind into the mix makes the cold more dangerous.
The National Weather Service (NWS) keeps a close eye on conditions that make it dangerous to be outdoors, even for short periods of time. Sometimes that danger comes from cold temperatures alone, and other times it is paired with wintry precipitation.
Two things to know:
1. Alerts
2. Risk of Dangers, such as frostbite.
1. Alerts
To help people understand what to expect and how serious the conditions are, the NWS uses the following cold weather alerts.
Cold Weather Advisory
Issued when seasonably cold temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring.
Extreme Cold Watch
Issued when dangerously cold temperatures or wind chill values are possible.
Extreme Cold Warning
Issued when dangerously cold temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring.
The thresholds for these watches and warnings can vary slightly depending on where you are in Pennsylvania. Much of the state has already been under such alerts for the past several weeks. It can still get dangerously cold even in February! Staying aware of weather alerts helps you make safer decisions during extreme cold. For more information, visit the NWS Warning, Watch, and Advisory page here.
2. Risk of Dangers, Such as Frostbite.
Wind Chill describes the rate of heat loss on the human body due to the effect of low temperature and wind. As winds increase, heat is carried away from the body at a faster rate, driving down both the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not.
Use the wind chill chart below to check wind chill based on the wind and temperature. The shaded areas show how long it will take for exposed skin to become frostbitten.
Learn more about extreme cold preparedness here.
Why Ice on Rivers Matters
There is something happening on our rivers that you might not have noticed. Ice, and lots of it. During cold snaps, ice forms on rivers, creeks, and streams. As it moves downstream, it can get stuck at
bends, bridge pillars, or where smaller waterways meet larger ones. When this happens, it creates what is known as an ice jam. An ice jam acts like a natural dam that blocks water from flowing freely and can lead to flooding, especially when rain or melting snow adds even more water.
This past January, Pennsylvania saw a deep freeze, with several days and nights record breaking cold. That gave river ice plenty of time to form. By the end of the month, ice jams had already been reported on rivers like the Delaware River coming into Philadelphia, Monongahela in western PA, and the Susquehanna in the northeast.
Now, here’s where things can get tricky. When temperatures begin to warm, snow melts, and rain falls, ice jams can suddenly break loose. That can cause rapid flooding downstream, often with little or no warning. This isn’t just a theory, it’s happened before. One of Pennsylvania’s worst ice jam floods occurred in 1996, after a major snowstorm dropped more than two feet of snow. Just one week later, warmer temperatures and rain melted it all at once, leading to devastating flooding.
So, as the weather changes, keep an eye on both the sky and the water. If you live near a river, be aware of rising water levels and have a plan in case flooding occurs quickly. If you notice a potential ice jam or ice buildup on a nearby waterway, report it to your local emergency management office. Staying alert and prepared helps keep you and your community safe. Stay safe and stay Ready PA!
Think Twice Before Stepping On Ice
After a stretch of cold weather, ice can form on rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams across Pennsylvania. While frozen waterways may look solid, ice conditions can change quickly and are often more dangerous than they appear. Ice is rarely uniform. Moving water, changing temperatures, snow cover, and debris can all weaken ice from below.
Rivers and streams are especially unpredictable because currents keep ice thinner and less stable, even during prolonged cold periods. What looks safe from the shore can give way without warning.
If you enjoy winter activities near the water, it is important to use caution. Avoid walking, skating, or riding vehicles on frozen rivers and streams. Even ponds and lakes can have weak spots, especially near inlets, outlets, docks, and areas with flowing water underneath.
If someone falls through the ice, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt a rescue by stepping onto the ice yourself. Reach for the person with a long object if possible and stay low and spread out to reduce your own risk.
As temperatures rise and fall throughout winter, ice conditions can change day to day or even hour to hour. The safest choice is to stay off frozen waterways and enjoy winter scenery from a safe distance. A moment of caution can prevent a life-threatening emergency.
