PennDOT crews at the state'sstockpile site in Zelienople load salt trucks Thursday in preparation for expected icy road conditions overnight. Temperatures might drop into the single digits Friday night according to weather forecasts.

Butler County residents will experience an “arctic blast” that is expected to hit the county Friday, bringing possible single-digit temperatures, according to weather forecasts.

“Compared to this mild winter we've had, it will be colder for the region, but not too out of the normal with what we've seen in previous years,” said Jason Frazier, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Thursday's “snow showers” were expected to create slick road conditions in the evening as a cold front moves in, bringing low temperatures around 14 degrees and possible single digit temperature later on Friday.

“There will be moisture on the ground, there'll be slick spots. Low visibility will be a problem too,” Frazier said Thursday.

On Friday, there's only a slight chance of precipitation.

Friday's temperatures will continue to drop with highs expected to reach only the upper teens during the day. The lowest temperatures will hit Friday night with a possible drop into the single digits.

“Fortunately, there won't be much wind. It won't feel overly cold,” Frazier said.

With the snowfall from Wednesday night, PennDOT crews were out treating roads, leaving residual salt on the roads into Thursday and Friday. The department doesn't expect to need to resalt the roads on Friday.

Tim Mebgen, a department spokesman, suggested that drivers stay off the road if they have a choice Friday. For those who must venture out, Mebgen suggested visiting the 511 webpage to check road conditions. Mebgen also advised drivers to increase the space between vehicles in front of them.

But the cold won't linger, Frazier said. Saturday will bring temperatures back up to around 35 degrees, and that climb will continue Sunday with an expected high of around 39 degrees.

“While people might see this cold coming in, it won't stay around,” Frazier said. “So, it's a little bit of an arctic blast. It's not staying around for long at all.”

And if weather systems align just right, Frazier said, next week could bring temperatures nearing the 50s.