Daniel Prince
Temperatures to fall below freezing by Friday morning and stay there until Sunday afternoon
Those dreaming of a cold Christmas will get their wish, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service. Rain will come to an end this morning, with today’s high temperature hovering in the mid-40s. Tonight, the temperature is expected to remain in the 40s until around 4 a.m. or so, when the arctic air begins to move into the area. Strong, gusty winds are expected overnight, peaking at around 41 mph in the early morning hours Friday. The temperature is expected to fall below freezing by around 7 a.m. Friday and not get back above freezing until Sunday afternoon. Friday’s high is expected to be 31 degrees, with a low of around 11. The cold air and gusty winds will make the wind chill fall into the low single digits, and in some areas, the “feels like” temperature could drop below zero. Because of that, the National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory from 7 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday. Saturday, the high is only expected to get to around 29 degrees, with a low on Christmas Eve around 14. Your Christmas Day forecast calls for sunny weather with a high in the mid-30s and a low in the mid-teens. The weather should remain clear through mid-week next week, with highs warming into the mid-40s and lows in the lower 20s. The strong wind gusts bring the possibility of downed trees and power lines, so have a plan in place to stay warm in case you lose power. High demand on electricity due to the cold is also possible, which could also cause some power outages.
The National Weather Service urges you to take steps now to protect your property and health from the extreme cold. If you go outside, wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf. If driving, keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone.
If you are home, consider allowing indoor plumbing fixtures to drip to allow water to trickle through pipes and inhibit freezing. Use caution with space heaters in order to avoid fire or injury. If emergency generators will be used, they must be situated outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, remember to check in on family, friends, and elderly neighbors who might be susceptible to the cold. Do not forget about your pets and livestock. Make sure they have a source of water that will not freeze and a warm place to take shelter from the wind and cold.