Dangerous Arctic Cold Grips Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland as Wind Chills Drop Below Zero
UNITED STATES — A surge of dangerous Arctic air is tightening its grip across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, with the National Weather Service Mount Holly warning of single-digit low temperatures, isolated below-zero readings, and subzero wind chills through the weekend. Forecast data shows the coldest conditions arriving Thursday and Friday nights, with overnight wind chills plunging well below zero in several inland locations.
Meteorologists stress that this is not a brief cold snap but a multi-night cold outbreak, increasing the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, frozen pipes, and travel hazards across the Mid-Atlantic.
Single-Digit and Below-Zero Lows Expected Overnight
According to the NWS Mount Holly “Lows Tonight” forecast, temperatures are expected to fall sharply after sunset as clouds decrease and Arctic air settles in. Much of eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey is forecast to drop into the single digits, with some inland valleys approaching zero or below.
Forecast lows include readings near 0°F in parts of central New Jersey, single digits across eastern Pennsylvania, and low teens near the immediate coast, where ocean influence provides only minimal moderation. Even traditionally milder areas are expected to see temperatures well below seasonal averages.
Wind Chills Plunge Below Zero Across the Region
While temperatures alone are dangerous, wind chills present the greatest concern. The Minimum Wind Chills forecast shows widespread subzero apparent temperatures overnight and during early morning hours.
Large portions of Pennsylvania and New Jersey are forecast to experience wind chills between -5°F and -15°F, with some elevated or exposed areas dropping even lower. Cities including Philadelphia, Trenton, Allentown, Reading, and Morristown fall within zones where prolonged outdoor exposure becomes hazardous.
In Delaware and eastern Maryland, wind chills are expected to dip below zero in inland locations, while coastal areas may briefly hover near zero before sunrise.
Coldest Nights Expected Thursday and Friday
Forecasters identify Thursday night and Friday night as the most dangerous periods of this cold outbreak. Winds will remain steady enough to prevent temperatures from rebounding significantly overnight, keeping wind chills suppressed well into the morning hours.
Even daytime highs will struggle to recover, allowing overnight cold to compound night after night. This prolonged exposure raises the likelihood of frozen infrastructure, vehicle issues, and stress on heating systems.
Why This Cold Is Especially Dangerous
This Arctic intrusion stands out due to the combination of duration, wind, and extreme overnight lows. Unlike brief cold snaps, several consecutive nights of extreme cold reduce recovery time for people, pets, and infrastructure.
Health officials warn that frostbite can occur in as little as 20–30 minutes under subzero wind chills, particularly on exposed skin. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, unhoused individuals, and those without reliable heating, face heightened risk.
What Residents Should Prepare For
Officials urge residents across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland to take precautions, including:
- Limiting outdoor exposure overnight and early mornings
- Wearing insulated layers and covering exposed skin
- Protecting pipes and allowing indoor faucets to drip
- Checking on vulnerable neighbors and pets
- Ensuring vehicles and emergency supplies are winter-ready
With Arctic air firmly entrenched, even minor lapses in preparation could lead to serious consequences.
As this dangerous cold outbreak continues to impact the Mid-Atlantic, forecasters urge residents to remain alert for updated advisories and safety guidance. For continued weather updates, regional impact analysis, and cold-weather safety coverage, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.