Cloudy and cold today; much colder next week — FIRST ALERT FORECAST

We’ll see slightly “warmer” conditions today, with highs topping out in the lower 20s through the day and wind chill readings remaining in the teens.

At the summit of Mount Marcy on Wednesday, the weather service predicts a low temperature of minus-13.

With a dry air mass in place from the attractive (just cold) weather the last few days, it will take some time before any snow showers can reach us at the ground.

That’s why the National Weather Service has triggered a WINTER STORM WATCH for Ashtabula and Lake counties from Friday morning through Saturday evening.

Positive Avenues, 320 Putnam St., is experiencing an increase in visitors with the cold weather.

EXTENDED: Friday will be the “warmer” day as we reach the upper 20s to low 30s.

As winds shift back to the northeast Thursday, cold air damming will set up across the region, knocking temperatures down by about 10 degrees.

For instance, in Presque Isle, Maine, the high temperature in the town not far from Canada was -5 degrees, and that doesn’t factor in wind chill. Blustery at times. Lows -3 to 10. This brand of cold is a little more normal. The greatest chance of snow was north of Interstate 80, but the NWS is closely monitoring lake-effect snow possibilities in Northwest Indiana.

AccuWeather says the Hazleton area will see a high of 20 and a low of zero today through Monday.

It is interesting to note this deep freeze is expected to last more than a week! This scenario is starting to look less likely for our area and computer guidance pushes the showers off to the east earlier on Sunday, leaving us cold and dry for New Year’s Day.

Despite the frigid temperatures, Correia said her colleagues were not expecting any records for lows.