McKean County and the surrounding region will be downright polar
today.

A wind chill advisory remains in effect until noon, before
temperatures slowly begin creeping up to a paltry high of 15
degrees. Then there’s the snow, which could reach between 2 and 5
inches before tapering off to flurries tonight.

“McKean County is going to get the brunt of it,” Meteorologist
Mike Connelly of the State College Bureau of the National Weather
Service said Thursday. “It will really be a passing shot. Normal
temperatures will be back on Saturday.”

Connelly said this is the first significant blast of arctic air
in the region.

“Seems like winter is finally here,” Connelly said. “It’s really
the first chance for temperatures to get below normal.”

The area has been spoiled for most of the winter, with more
spring-like weather holding the upper hand through November and
December. That began to change on Thursday, however, as residents
bundled up against the biting winds and snow that made streets like
skating rinks.

According to Connelly, the brunt of the chilly air will remain
in the region until noon, while the heaviest snow will start to
break around 10 a.m. today.

“The lake (Erie) is still relatively warm and that will set up
good lake effect snow for western Pennsylvania,” Connelly said,
adding due to the cold temperatures, the snow will be fairly light
in weight. “People should almost be able to clean it off with just
a broom.”

Connelly said the wind chills will range between 10 and 15
degrees below zero, with temperatures hovering around zero for a
good portion of the day. The winds will die down throughout the
course of the day.

According to a wind chill scale, anything between 10 and 27
degrees below zero poses a low risk of frostbite, but is
uncomfortable for those venturing outside. There is a risk of
hypothermia for anyone outside for too long without adequate
protection.

In such conditions, residents should dress in layers of warm
clothing, with an outside layer that’s wind-resistant. A hat,
gloves and scarf are also recommended along with keeping
active.

The Weather Channel Web site indicates a wind chill is the
temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined
with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from
exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed
of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from the body much
more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop.

Connelly said winds could gust up to nearly 25 mph during the
height of the cold snap.

Residents should take heart, however.

Warmer temperatures will return to the region on Saturday, with
a 50 percent chance of showers and a high of 30 degrees.