It’s winter in Western Pennsylvania, which means frigid temperatures and snowfall.

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, the mercury dipped down to as low as 1 degree Fahrenheit. And it snowed that day. That’s some cold shoveling.

In a report Friday by Eagle staff writer Zach Petroff, meteorologist Chris Leonardi with the National Weather Service of Pittsburgh said Butler County residents were in for the “the most significant” snowstorm in two years from Friday to Saturday.

A winter weather advisory remained in effect through 10 a.m. Saturday, according to Leonardi.

According to a report by Eagle staff writer Molly Miller, meteorologist Bill Modzelewski with the National Weather Service of Pittsburgh said temperatures in the 40s are expected to sweep in by Monday, taking the snow with it by Tuesday.

But in the meantime, there’s snow to clear and cold weather to brave. And the cold and snow are likely to return.

We’ve also been checking in with the warming centers in the area. In a story by Eagle staff writer Eddie Trizzino this week, we learned clients of the Grapevine Center in Butler would have to spend a few hours outdoors in the evening while waiting for another warm shelter to open.

“You’ve got three or four hours where you’re out in the cold,” said Mike Smith, a client and volunteer at the center. “It’s just so hard. It takes its toll on you.”

Over at the Glade Run Lutheran Services’ Grace Wellness Community Center, program manager David Baynes said the center averaged about eight unhoused visitors in November, 14 in December and about a dozen in January. This is the second winter the center has been open, according to a report by Eagle staff writer Irina Bucur.

While Smith and other such clients wait for a solution to the time gap, we should be mindful of the needs of such facilities. They need volunteers and donations to operate.

These and other people vulnerable to recent weather conditions may not ask for help, but may be willing to accept help if offered. It’s likely if you cleared snow from your neighbor’s walk, they would be grateful whether they needed the help or not.

As you’re going about your day this cold and snowy season, knock on your neighbor’s door. Say hi, check in, see if they need any help. Stop by the Grapevine Center or Glade Run with a donation for those less fortunate.

Take your children sledding. Be careful. Be thoughtful. Stay warm.

— RJ