Arctic Air Holds Strong

The weather story in the Commonwealth has stayed as wintry as can be for the better part of a week now. One of the coldest stretches in recent memory has included consistent highs in the mid- to low-teens, subzero wind chills, and of course, our recent winter storm that dumped over a foot of snow statewide. The snowpack left behind has only seemed to make things even colder this week.

Friday looks no different. While the sun is out and the wind has let up somewhat, the arctic air mass has not, and temperatures remain stuck in the teens. Wind chills will still reach as low as -15 degrees overnight in State College, one of many absurd values in an utterly frigid stretch so far.

Hilariously, no end lies in sight until after the weekend. Temperatures begin to tick back up to near the twenties by Sunday, but wind gusts return once more as an offshore system passes. Relief comes at long last at the start of the new workweek, with highs finally climbing to near the 30 degree mark by Tuesday. One can only hope we stay there for the remainder of this long and cold winter.