Below freezing temperatures persisted on Wednesday after sub-zero wind chills battered the region for more than 24 hours. But conditions will be improving from here on out, the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team says.
The area set an all-time record for the coldest temperatures for the month of January on Tuesday forcing some schools to close.
The single-digit temps easily broke the record-low high of 20 degrees set back in 1994 and already beat the old low of 7 degrees set in 1988.
Energy operators also saw record winter demand and warned of service disruptions should the electricity grid become over-taxed.
Sub-zero wind chills between -15 in the city to -30 in the Poconos, thanks to winds gusting to 41 mph, prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Wind Chill Advisory from early Tuesday through Wednesday morning.
Things will finally begin to warm up Wednesday afternoon when temperatures will go into the 20s.
But with the change comes concerns of flash flooding. A large ice jam on the Delaware River near Trenton, N.J. prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Watch for those living downstream on both sides of the river. That watch lasts until Thursday morning.
By Thursday, temperatures will be in the 30s, in the 40s by Friday and then in the 50s by the weekend.
- LOOK: Cold Weather Photos
TIMELINE
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Philadelphia & The Surrounding Suburbs
WEDNESDAY
| TIME | TEMPERATURE | WIND CHILL | WINDS |
| 7 a.m. | 7 degrees | -6 degrees | 8 mph | No gusts |
| Noon | 20 degrees | 9 degrees | 10 mph | No gusts |
| 3 p.m | 23 degrees | 14 degrees | 8 mph | No gusts |
| 7 p.m. | 22 degrees | 16 degrees | 5 mph | No gusts |
Lehigh Valley
WEDNESDAY
| TIME | TEMPERATURE | WIND CHILL | WINDS |
| 7 a.m. | 4 degrees | -9 degrees | 8 mph | No gusts |
| Noon | 18 degrees | 7 degrees | 9 mph | No gusts |
| 3 p.m | 21 degrees | 11 degrees | 9 mph | No gusts |
| 7 p.m. | 19 degrees | 11 degrees | 6 mph | No gusts |
BEING PREPARED
Spending even a short amount of time in the extreme cold without the proper attire can have dire consequences. Here are some ways to be prepared.
AVOIDING HYPOTHERMIA & FROSTBITE
Main Line Health Emergency Department Physician Dr. Leonard Ulan, Jr. says keeping your skin covered and dry is the first line of defense from the extreme cold. He outlines ways to prevent the elderly, children and adults from becoming victims here.
10 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY, HOME & CAR SAFE
You not only have to protect yourself if you must go outside in the arctic cold, but also inside your home. We have 10 tips to ensure you're prepared to prevent freezing pipes and know what to do if you get stuck on the road.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Several schools in our area are closed or delayed due to the cold. View the full list here.
