Extreme Cold/Wind Chill — Westmoreland Ridges, Pennsylvania

2019-01-30 to 2019-01-31 · Westmoreland Ridges, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

Surrounding areas had wind chill values below -25 F.

Wider weather episode

Extreme cold arctic air surged into the northeast region January 30th. 500mb heights were close to 5040 meters, 850mb temperatures ranged from -26 to -30 degrees Celsius, and 925mb temperatures were near -22 to -26 degrees Celsius. With the quick drop in temperature in the boundary layer, a steep low level lapse rate was created near the surface. Due to this steep lapse rate, winds near 850mb to 925mb (averaging 20kts) were capable of reaching the surface and created wind chill temperatures of -22F and lower.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 803580. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.