A Cold Weather Advisory is now in effect for all of Delmarva as an arctic air mass settles across the region, bringing dangerously cold wind chills through Wednesday morning.
The advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. this evening through 10 a.m. Wednesday, with the coldest conditions expected overnight and during the early morning hours. Wind chills across Delmarva are forecast to fall between 0 and 10 degrees below zero, creating hazardous conditions for anyone exposed to the cold for extended periods.
These bitterly cold wind chills can quickly lead to hypothermia or frostbite if proper precautions are not taken. Even brief exposure without adequate protection can become dangerous, especially during the overnight hours when temperatures and wind chills reach their lowest values.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, and wear a hat and gloves when outside. Extra care should be taken for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and pets. Outdoor pets should be brought indoors, and livestock should have access to adequate shelter and water that is not frozen.
Those who do not have reliable heat in their homes or lack proper shelter are encouraged to seek assistance. Dial 211 to find warming centers or emergency shelter options available in your area.
Looking ahead, additional cold weather headlines are likely. Forecast confidence continues to increase that the Cold Weather Advisory may be extended and could be upgraded to an Extreme Cold Warning for Wednesday night and possibly Thursday night. Wind chills below zero are expected to continue during nighttime hours into the weekend, keeping dangerous cold conditions in place across Delmarva.
Residents should continue to monitor the forecast closely and prepare now for an extended stretch of dangerous cold.
