Dangerous cold settles in Thursday night and again this weekend

Subzero temperatures will combine with breezy conditions to push wind chills to dangerous levels. Frostbite can occur in under 30 minutes at these temperatures. Dangerous wind chills are expected into Friday afternoon.
Subzero temperatures will combine with breezy conditions to push wind chills to dangerous levels. Frostbite can occur in under 30 minutes at these temperatures. Dangerous wind chills are expected into Friday afternoon.

Most of the Finger Lakes is under a Wind Chill Warning from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning or afternoon.

An arctic cold front, which has brought snow to the region Wednesday night and early Thursday, will usher in colder air this afternoon as it passes through the region.

Temperatures will fall quickly as the front moves through, dropping from the 20s this morning into the single digits by the late afternoon. Overnight, temperatures should drop below zero region-wide.

The one exception to this may be from Wayne county southeast into Cayuga and northern Tompkins, where some lake effect snow may fall. The extra clouds just may be enough to keep temperatures a little bit “warmer”.

Winds will gust over 20mph at times this afternoon, overnight and through Friday. This will lead to wind chill values of -20º or colder for most of the area.

Wind chills of this magnitude can cause frostbite and hypothermia in 15-30 minutes. If you must go out, make sure you are completely covered, with no exposed skin. Don’t forget about your pets- they can get frostbite, too.

Unfortunately, there is no relief in sight this weekend. More snow is possible Saturday, followed by even colder temperatures on Sunday.

Follow Meteorologist Drew Montreuil:
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil has been forecasting the weather in the Finger Lakes region since 2006 and has degrees in meteorology from SUNY Oswego (B.S. with Honors) and Cornell (M.S.). Drew and his wife have four young boys. When not working or playing with the boys, he is probably out for a run through the countryside.