Dangerous Wind Chills Drop Into the Teens Across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Poconos as Arctic Air Tightens Grip Tonight
NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, AND DELAWARE — A surge of Arctic air combined with persistent strong winds is driving dangerously low wind chill values across much of the Mid-Atlantic, with the harshest conditions expected tonight. According to the latest wind chill data, feels-like temperatures are falling into the teens across most of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware, while near-zero wind chills are developing in the higher elevations of the Poconos.
The data confirms that this is not just a cold night, but a wind-driven cold event, where sustained winds are dramatically lowering apparent temperatures and increasing exposure risk.
Near-Zero Wind Chills in the Poconos
The coldest apparent temperatures are centered over the Pocono Mountains, where wind chill readings are dropping to around 0°F. These values reflect the combination of sub-freezing air temperatures and steady northwest winds funneling through elevated terrain.
In these areas, exposed skin can become vulnerable to frostbite in a relatively short period of time. Even brief outdoor activity may feel sharply colder than forecast air temperatures suggest.
Teens Widespread Across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania
Across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, wind chill values are expected to remain firmly in the low to mid-teens overnight. Cities and towns including Trenton, Morristown, Flemington, Long Branch, Atlantic City, and Vineland are all shown within this colder zone.
Although these numbers may not sound extreme by mid-winter standards, the persistent wind makes the cold more dangerous and uncomfortable, especially for commuters, outdoor workers, and anyone traveling late tonight or early tomorrow.
Delaware Also Impacted by Wind-Driven Cold
Delaware is also experiencing teen-level wind chills, including areas around Dover, Wilmington, and the eastern shore. Coastal locations may see slightly higher readings at times, but gusty winds near the shoreline will keep apparent temperatures suppressed.
The data shows that even locations near the coast are not escaping the effects of this Arctic air mass, as wind remains the dominant factor in driving down feels-like temperatures.
Why Wind Is the Main Concern Tonight
This event is not being driven by extreme cold alone. Instead, strong winds behind a departing system are amplifying the cold’s impact. Wind strips heat away from the body faster than calm conditions, causing temperatures to feel significantly colder than they actually are.
As long as winds remain elevated, wind chill values will stay low even if air temperatures stabilize. This makes tonight’s conditions particularly harsh despite the absence of snowfall.
What to Expect Into the Morning
Wind chills are expected to remain low through the overnight hours, with gradual improvement only after winds ease later tomorrow. Until then, the risk of cold-related discomfort and exposure remains elevated across the region.
Anyone heading out late tonight or early in the morning should take precautions, including dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors when possible.
As Arctic air continues to influence the eastern United States, ChicagoMusicGuide.com will keep monitoring how dangerous cold and wind-driven weather may affect travel, scheduling, and regional activity across the Mid-Atlantic.