Pittsburgh International Airport Records −11°F, Coldest Temperature This Century as Historic Arctic Freeze Grips Western Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA — Western Pennsylvania experienced a historic Arctic cold outbreak early this morning, as Pittsburgh International Airport officially recorded a low temperature of −11°F at 7:25 a.m. According to airport observations, this marks the coldest temperature recorded in Pittsburgh so far this century, tying the region’s most extreme cold since the January 1994 deep freeze.
Meteorologists confirm that the reading was captured at the airport’s official weather station, making it a verified and reportable extreme temperature event rather than a localized or unofficial observation.
Coldest Pittsburgh Temperature Since the January 1994 Freeze
The −11°F reading places today’s cold among the most severe Arctic outbreaks in modern Pittsburgh weather history. The last time the region experienced comparable cold was during January 1994, when a powerful Arctic air mass plunged temperatures well below zero across much of the eastern United States.
Weather data from the airport shows:
- Temperature: −11°F
- Wind chill: as low as −21°F
- Relative humidity: approximately 76%
- Calm to light winds, allowing temperatures to bottom out efficiently
Forecasters note that clear skies, light winds, and deep Arctic air combined perfectly overnight, allowing temperatures to fall rapidly before sunrise.
Why This Cold Was So Extreme
This event was driven by an exceptionally strong Arctic high-pressure system dropping south from Canada, delivering the coldest air mass to reach the region since 2018, and the most intense since the 1990s when measured by raw temperature.
With snow cover in place and minimal cloud insulation overnight, surface temperatures were able to plunge unchecked. Even locations that avoided wind saw dangerously cold conditions, while exposed areas felt even colder due to wind chill effects.
Impacts Across the Pittsburgh Region
Temperatures this low pose serious risks to infrastructure, health, and transportation, even in a cold-weather city like Pittsburgh.
Key concerns include:
- Increased risk of frostbite within minutes of exposure
- Frozen pipes in older buildings and homes
- Vehicle issues, including battery failures
- Strain on heating systems during peak demand
Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, check on vulnerable neighbors, and ensure pets are brought indoors.
How Rare Is −11°F in Pittsburgh?
While Pittsburgh is no stranger to cold winters, sub-zero temperatures of this magnitude are increasingly rare. Many winters now pass without a single reading below zero, making today’s temperature a standout event in long-term climate records.
Meteorologists emphasize that while winter cold still occurs, events rivaling 1994-level extremes are becoming less frequent, adding to the significance of today’s reading.
What Happens Next
Temperatures are expected to gradually moderate over the coming days, though overnight lows will remain cold by seasonal standards. Any snow cover will continue to enhance nighttime cooling until milder air arrives later in the forecast period.
For continued coverage of historic cold outbreaks, winter weather records, and major weather events across the United States, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.