More Snow Could Follow 'Life-Threatening' Cold In PA: Forecasters

What is being described by law enforcement as "life threatening" cold will be followed by another chance for snow early next week. A deep freeze has set in throughout the Northeast, with record-setting cold anticipated through the weekend.

Saturday night's low temperature will be minus 4 degrees across the Philadelphia region, according to the National Weather Service. With the windchill, temperatures will feel like they're in the double-digit negatives.

The brutal cold presents a serious safety issue, authorities say.

"This is going to be life threatening cold so please call if you are concerned about someone's well being," said police in Middletown Township, Bucks County.

NBC10 reports the weekend temperatures could be some of the coldest the area has seen in decades. Saturday may be the first time in 24 years the thermometer will drop below zero in the Philadelphia area, the report said.

Emergency management officials are advising all residents in the area to have a backup plan in case their heating system fails over the weekend. Counties throughout the Philadelphia region have declared "Code Blue" emergencies, which means shelters have been designated to provide for those in emergency situations. Check with your county for specific details.

In addition to bone-chilling cold, the winds are causing snow to blow onto the roadways, making for dangerous travel conditions.

Once the severe cold passes, there is another chance for more snow Monday, the National Weather Service is reporting. The agency estimates there is a 30 percent chance of snow in the Philadelphia region on Monday afternoon. The likelihood of snow increases at night, when there is a 60 percent chance of snow. Accumulation estimates have not yet been released.

There is a light at the end of this cold, snowy tunnel, however. The high temperature on Tuesday will be in the low 40s, which means pipes should thaw, and some of the snow and ice will melt.

Until then, stay warm.

Here is the forecast (read on if you dare):

Today: Areas of blowing snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 14. Wind chill values as low as -5. Breezy, with a west wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph.

Tonight: Areas of blowing snow. Mostly clear, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -8. West wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday: Areas of blowing snow. Sunny, with a high near 13. Wind chill values as low as -8. Northwest wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -13. Northwest wind 5 to 11 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12.

Monday: A chance of snow after 1pm, mixing with rain after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

PHOTO: NWS