The National Weather Service has forecasted potential record breaking cold for the end of the week. Wintry weather possible Friday night into Saturday.

Hazards and Impacts:

Cold: Highs Thursday and Friday will range from the teens in the Poconos to the 20s across southeastern PA, NJ, and the Delmarva. Lows Thursday night will range from the single digits in the Poconos to the teens elsewhere.

Wind Chills: Thursday, minimum wind chills range from as low as 5 below in the Poconos to 5 to 10 above across NJ, southeastern PA, and the Delmarva. Thursday night and Friday morning, minimum wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below in the Poconos, from 5 below to around 0 across central and southern NJ, southeastern PA, and the Delmarva.

Wind: Strong NW winds 15-25 MPH with frequent gusts of 30-40 MPH will develop late Wednesday night through Thursday night. A Wind Advisory may be needed for peak gusts as high as 45 to 50 mph on Thursday.

Snow: Snow showers are possible, mainly along and north of I-78, on Thursday. Snow could develop late Friday night before changing to a wintry mix and then rain from the coast gradually up to the I-78 corridor during the day on Saturday.

Ice: There the potential for accumulating freezing rain on Saturday into Saturday night, especially along and north of I-78. If it occurs, this could result in a light coating of ice, especially on elevated surfaces.

Impacts: Bitter cold expected Thursday night and Friday morning. Hazardous travel conditions are possible in localized snow squalls on Thursday, mainly along and north of I-78. Hazardous travel conditions also possible Friday night through Saturday, with a prolonged period of hazardous travel possible along and north of I-78 through into Saturday night.

To stay safe during cold weather:

• Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear—such as hats, mittens and gloves—in addition to a warm coat. Always protect your lungs with a scarf.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person's body more rapidly and could lead to severe hypothermia.
• Watch for signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling or pale appearance of fingers, toes or face. A wind chill of 20 degrees below zero can cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.
• Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.
• Weather-proof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.
• Check heating units. Poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. Test carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation and battery life.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.
• Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries.
• Check and restock your emergency preparedness kit. If you don't have a kit, make one.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Put warm clothing—such as gloves, blankets and hats—in your kit in case you become stranded.