Cold weather continues into early week before warmup
While more snow piles on and a bitter cold batters Butler County residents, forecasters are predicting temperatures could reach as high as 50 degrees by the end of the week.
David Shallenberger, a meteorologist with National Weather Service of Pittsburgh, said snow over the weekend started around midday Saturday, Dec. 13, and carried on throughout the night.
“We had snow develop earlier than we thought. Around midday, the area began to see snow. Accumulation began almost immediately due to below-freezing temperatures,” he said.
By Sunday morning, Shallenberger said county residents have seen anywhere between 4-6 inches of snow, with the worst of it being in the south. Numerous crashes were reported across the county throughout the day.
According to Butler County Emergency Services dispatch, a crash with an ejection was reported around noon on Lancaster Township’s section of Interstate 79. Dispatch also reported a vehicle slid off Route 8 in Penn Township around the same time.
But Shallenberger said there might just be a bit more snow.
“There will likely be some lake effect snow today. I would say it’s possible to get another inch or two,” he said on Sunday.
While snow is expected to let up, Shallenberger said the early part of the week will still be frigid. Sunday night saw temperatures stick to the mid-teens before crawling up to a high of 20 degrees on Monday.
“Commuters should be careful on any secondary roads that may not have been cleared, and there’s always the possibility of a refreeze,” he said.
Shallenberger also said residents in the northern region of the county should expect temperatures to drop into the low teens or single digits.
On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to climb close to the freezing point, with a predicted high of 31 degrees. Temperatures will cool off overnight before climbing to a high of 40 degrees on Wednesday.
Shallenberger said even warmer weather can be expected later in the week.
“On Thursday, we’re looking at a high of anywhere between 48 and 50 degrees,” he said.
