Scranton Hourly Weather Forecast Shows Dangerous Cold and Frostbite Risk

The latest Scranton hourly weather forecast isn't just a heads-up; it's an urgent warning. An Extreme Cold Warning is active for Scranton, PA, from 4:00 AM Saturday, February 7, through 1:00 PM Sunday, February 8. This isn't your average winter chill; we're talking about dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills that can induce frostbite in mere minutes. Residents and visitors alike need to take this seriously.
This guide provides a detailed hourly breakdown of the impending freeze, crucial safety advice, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home. Our goal isn't just to inform, but to empower you with the knowledge to navigate this severe weather safely.

At a Glance: Key Takeaways for the Extreme Cold Warning

Warning in Effect: Saturday, Feb 7 (4:00 AM) to Sunday, Feb 8 (1:00 PM).
Danger Zones: Saturday evening (5 PM - 11 PM) and overnight into Sunday morning will be the most brutal.
Frostbite Risk: As little as 2-8 minutes of exposed skin can lead to frostbite during peak cold.
Hypothermia Threat: Without adequate protective clothing, hypothermia is a significant risk.
"Feels Like" Temperatures: Wind chill will make actual temperatures feel drastically colder, plunging well below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparation is Key: Plan to limit outdoor exposure, layer up, protect pipes, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Understanding Scranton's Dive into Dangerous Cold

When meteorologists issue an Extreme Cold Warning, it’s a red flag. These aren't just uncomfortable conditions; they pose a direct threat to life and property. The combination of frigid air temperatures and strong winds creates a wind chill factor that strips heat from your body at an alarming rate. This weekend, Scranton will experience precisely that, making even short periods outdoors hazardous.
The core issue isn't just the thermometer reading; it's how wind chill impacts perceived temperature. When the wind howls, it accelerates heat loss from your skin, making a 0°F day feel like -20°F or colder. This is why "feels like" temperatures are paramount during these warnings, as they dictate the true danger to exposed skin.

Your Hourly Guide to the Freeze: Saturday, February 7

Saturday sets the stage for the most intense cold. While the warning begins early, the evening hours will escalate quickly into genuinely dangerous territory.

Saturday Evening: The Plunge Begins

5 PM - 7 PM: Frigid Conditions Set In
Air Temperature: Around 1°F (-17°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): Plunging to -20°F to -18°F (-29°C to -28°C)
Winds: Strong, from the Northwest at 19 mph (31 km/h), with gusts up to 33 mph (53 km/h).
Sky: Mostly cloudy or intermittent clouds, with a low 20% chance of precipitation.
Key Danger: AccuWeather notes a "Frigid" classification, warning that frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 8 minutes. Hypothermia is likely without proper protection.
Action: If you must be outside, cover all exposed skin. Think hats, scarves, gloves, and multiple layers.
8 PM - 11 PM: Dangerous Cold Takes Hold
Air Temperature: Remains around 1°F (-17°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): Holding steady at -18°F (-28°C)
Sky: Cloudy with possible flurries, 20-30% chance of precipitation.
Key Danger: Conditions escalate to "Dangerous Cold." Frostbite can set in within 2 minutes on exposed skin. The risk of hypothermia is extremely high.
Action: Absolutely avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during these hours. If you are caught outside, seek shelter immediately.

Battling the Deep Freeze: Sunday, February 8

The extreme cold warning persists through Sunday afternoon, with overnight and morning hours mirroring Saturday's dangerous conditions. Do not let your guard down.

Overnight into Sunday Morning: The Coldest Hours

12 AM - 5 AM:
Air Temperature: Around 1°F (-17°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): Around -17°F (-27°C)
Sky: Cloudy with a 30% chance of precipitation.
Danger: Sustained bitter cold with extreme wind chills. Frostbite risk remains very high.
Action: Ensure your heating system is working efficiently. Keep an eye on any elderly neighbors or those who might be vulnerable.
6 AM - 8 AM:
Air Temperature: Dipping slightly to 0°F to 1°F (-18°C to -17°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): Still brutally cold at -18°F to -17°F (-28°C to -27°C)
Sky: Partly cloudy, 20-30% chance of precipitation.
Danger: These are likely the coldest actual air temperatures of the entire period.

Sunday Afternoon: Slow, Slight Improvement

9 AM - 1 PM:
Air Temperature: Gradually "warming" from 3°F to 9°F (-16°C to -13°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): Improves slightly to -15°F to -8°F (-26°C to -22°C)
Sky: Mostly cloudy, 20% chance of precipitation.
Note: While temperatures climb, "feels like" temperatures remain well below zero, meaning conditions are still dangerously cold. The Extreme Cold Warning lifts at 1 PM, but that doesn't mean it's suddenly warm.
2 PM - 4 PM:
Air Temperature: Around 10°F to 12°F (-12°C to -11°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): Improving further to -6°F to -4°F (-21°C to -19°C)
Sky: Partly cloudy, 20% chance of precipitation.
Caution: Still very cold, especially if you're out for extended periods.
5 PM - 11 PM:
Air Temperature: Dropping again to 10°F to 5°F (-12°C to -15°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): Falling to -4°F to -9°F (-20°C to -23°C)
Sky: Mostly cloudy, 10-20% chance of precipitation.
Reality Check: Even after the warning expires, Sunday evening will remain bitterly cold.

Lingering Chill: Monday, February 9 & Tuesday, February 10

While the immediate "Extreme Cold Warning" period concludes, Scranton won't see a significant thaw right away. The next couple of days will remain well below average, requiring continued vigilance.

Monday, February 9: Another Frigid Start

12 AM - 7 AM:
Air Temperature: Around 1°F to 3°F (-17°C to -16°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): -11°F to -17°F (-24°C to -23°C)
Sky: Mostly cloudy, 10-20% chance of precipitation.
Morning Commute: Still very dangerous conditions. Factor in extra time and layer up extensively for any outdoor movement.
8 AM - 12 PM:
Air Temperature: Climbing to 5°F to 18°F (-15°C to -8°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): -6°F to 9°F (-21°C to -13°C)
Sky: Partly cloudy, 10% chance of precipitation.
Trend: Noticeable improvement, but still cold enough for caution.
1 PM - 4 PM:
Air Temperature: Reaches a high of 21°F to 23°F (-6°C to -5°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): 11°F to 16°F (-11°C to -9°C)
Sky: Mix of sun and clouds, 10-20% chance of precipitation.
Relative Warmth: This will feel like a reprieve, but still cold enough to cause issues if unprepared.
5 PM - 11 PM:
Air Temperature: Falling back to 19°F to 9°F (-7°C to -13°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): 12°F to -4°F (-16°C to -11°C)
Sky: Increasing clouds, 20-30% chance of precipitation.

Tuesday, February 10: Gradual Thaw Begins

12 AM - 7 AM:
Air Temperature: Around 7°F to 9°F (-14°C to -13°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): -4°F to -11°F (-20°C to -16°C)
Sky: Cloudy, 20-30% chance of precipitation.
Morning Cold: Still a very cold start to the day.
8 AM - 12 PM:
Air Temperature: Rising to 19°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): -4°F to 27°F (-15°C to -4°C)
Sky: Cloudy, 30% chance of precipitation.
Thawing Trend: Finally, temperatures approach freezing, but wind chill still makes it feel colder.
1 PM - 4 PM:
Air Temperature: 32°F to 34°F (0°C to 1°C)
Feels Like (Wind Chill): 28°F to 30°F (-3°C to -2°C)
Sky: Cloudy, 30-40% chance of precipitation.
Above Freezing: A welcome relief as temperatures finally nudge above freezing, though still chilly.

Essential Cold Weather Safety: Protecting Yourself and Others

During periods of extreme cold, common sense measures become life-saving protocols. This is where essential cold weather safety tips really come into play.

Dressing for the Deep Freeze

When the wind chill drops below zero, layers are your best friend. But not just any layers.

Inner Layer (Wicking): Start with moisture-wicking material (like synthetic fabrics or wool) close to your skin. This pulls sweat away from your body, preventing it from making you colder. Avoid cotton for this layer.
Middle Layer (Insulation): Add insulating layers like fleece, down, or more wool. These layers trap air, providing warmth.
Outer Layer (Protection): Finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. This protects you from the wind and any precipitation, which are key factors in accelerated heat loss.
Extremities Are Key: A significant amount of body heat is lost through your head, hands, and feet.
Head: Wear a warm hat that covers your ears. A balaclava or ski mask is ideal for truly exposed conditions.
Hands: Wear insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves because they keep your fingers together.
Feet: Insulated, waterproof boots are crucial. Wear thick, wool or synthetic socks. Bring an extra pair if you expect to be out for a while.
Cover Your Face: A scarf, balaclava, or neck gaiter can protect your nose, cheeks, and chin from frostbite.

Recognizing and Responding to Cold-Related Emergencies

Understanding recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite is critical. They can develop quickly in these conditions.

Frostbite

Frostbite is tissue damage caused by freezing. It most commonly affects fingers, toes, ears, and nose.

Signs:
First Stage (Frostnip): Skin appears red, then pale or whitish. You might feel a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, or tingling.
Superficial Frostbite: Skin feels firm, but tissue underneath is soft. Blisters may form after rewarming.
Deep Frostbite: Skin looks waxy, white, or grayish-blue. It feels hard and cold to the touch. Numbness is complete.
First Aid:

Get to a warm place immediately.
Do NOT rub the affected area.
Slowly rewarm the area in warm (not hot) water (around 100-105°F / 38-40°C) until sensation returns and skin softens.
Wrap the area loosely with sterile dressings.
Seek medical attention, especially for superficial or deep frostbite.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

Signs:
Mild: Shivering, confusion, clumsiness, slurred speech, lethargy.
Moderate to Severe: Shivering stops (a critical sign!), loss of coordination, disorientation, blue-tinged skin, slow and shallow breathing, weak pulse, loss of consciousness.
First Aid:

Move the person to a warm, dry place.
Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry, warm layers.
Wrap them in blankets, towels, or even newspapers.
Offer warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks if conscious.
Seek immediate medical help for moderate to severe hypothermia. Call 911.

Protecting Your Home from the Cold's Assault

Your home isn't immune to extreme cold. Burst pipes and heating failures are common and costly problems.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop significantly below freezing, exposed water pipes are at high risk. Protect your home from freezing temperatures with these steps:

Insulate: Wrap exposed pipes (especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics) with foam pipe insulation. You can find this at any hardware store.
Drip Faucets: Allow a slow drip from both hot and cold water faucets, particularly those along exterior walls. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
Open Cabinets: Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing.
Maintain Heat: Keep your thermostat set at no lower than 55°F (13°C) even if you're away.
Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots and drain them. If you have an indoor shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, close it.
Know Your Main Shut-Off: In case a pipe does burst, knowing where and how to turn off your main water supply can minimize damage.

Heating System Maintenance

Ensure your furnace or heating system is in good working order before the cold hits.

Inspect and Clean: Check filters, vents, and ensure nothing is blocking heat registers.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Extreme cold often leads to increased use of heating devices, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your detectors are working, and have fresh batteries.
Alternative Heat Sources: If using space heaters, follow all safety guidelines: keep them away from flammables, never leave them unattended, and plug them directly into wall outlets (not extension cords).

Staying Safe on the Roads

Driving in extreme cold presents its own set of challenges, from icy patches to reduced vehicle performance.

Vehicle Check: Ensure your car battery is in good condition, tire pressure is correct, and windshield wiper fluid is full (and rated for cold temperatures).
Emergency Kit: Keep a winter emergency kit in your car with blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, a shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, and extra warm clothing.
Slow Down: Reduce your speed, especially on bridges and overpasses where ice forms first.
Increase Distance: Allow extra braking distance between your vehicle and others.
Stay Informed: Check road conditions before you leave, and consider postponing non-essential travel.

Caring for Your Pets and Vulnerable Neighbors

Extreme cold affects everyone, including those who can't speak for themselves.

Pets: Bring pets indoors. If they must go outside, keep trips short and consider booties to protect their paws from ice and salt. Never leave pets unattended in vehicles during extreme cold.
Neighbors: Check on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable or live alone. Offer assistance with groceries, medicine, or simply ensure their heating is working.

Common Questions About Extreme Cold

"What's the difference between 'air temperature' and 'feels like' temperature?"

Air temperature is what a thermometer reads. "Feels like" temperature, also known as wind chill, is what the temperature feels like to exposed skin when you factor in the wind. Wind rapidly removes heat from your body, making you feel much colder than the actual air temperature. It's the "feels like" temperature that truly indicates the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

"Can I get frostbite through clothing?"

While unlikely with adequate, dry, and layered clothing, it is possible if clothing becomes wet or isn't sufficiently insulated, especially in areas like fingers or toes that may be compressed or less well-covered. The main risk is to exposed skin, but prolonged exposure in insufficient clothing can still lead to cold-related injuries.

"Is it safe to exercise outside when it's this cold?"

Generally, no. Exercising in extreme cold significantly increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Your body works harder to stay warm, and you might not notice early signs of cold-related injury. If you must be active, keep it very brief, stay close to shelter, and dress in extreme layers, covering all skin. For the duration of this extreme cold warning, it's best to move your workouts indoors.

"How long does it take for pipes to freeze?"

There's no single answer, as it depends on pipe insulation, temperature, wind exposure, and water flow. However, in conditions like those forecast for Scranton (well below 0°F wind chills), pipes can freeze and burst in a matter of hours if unprotected. This is why preventative measures are crucial.

Preparing for the Deep Freeze: Your Action Plan

The Scranton hourly weather forecast for this weekend demands respect and preparation. This isn't just about bundling up; it's about minimizing risk and ensuring the safety of your entire household and community.
Here's a quick checklist to guide your final preparations:

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather updates. While this guide provides a detailed outlook, conditions can sometimes shift.
Limit Exposure: Cancel or postpone non-essential outdoor activities and travel, especially during Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Layer Up: For any necessary outdoor trips, dress in multiple, loose-fitting layers. Crucially, cover your head, face, neck, hands, and feet completely.
Protect Your Home: Implement pipe freezing prevention strategies now. Check your heating system and carbon monoxide detectors.
Vehicle Ready: Ensure your car is winter-ready and has an emergency kit.
Check on Others: Reach out to vulnerable individuals in your community.
Know the Signs: Be able to recognize the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia and know basic first aid.
Scranton has seen its share of winter, but these conditions are exceptional. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, you can navigate this dangerous cold spell safely. For more general information on the weather in Scranton, including seasonal trends and historical data, you can explore our comprehensive resources. Your safety is paramount.