A bitterly cold air mass is set to grip the region this week, with wind chill values dipping into the single digits at times, according to the National Weather Service.
Overnight lows tonight will drop to around 11 degrees, with mostly clear skies.
The cold weather will continue into Monday and Tuesday, with daytime highs near 27 and 26 degrees, respectively. Wind chill values could fall as low as 9 on Tuesday. Winds will remain light, shifting from calm to a gentle north-northwest breeze, with gusts up to 5 mph. Overnight lows will hover between 13 and 16 degrees through Tuesday night.
By Wednesday, temperatures will begin to moderate, with a high near 37 under mostly sunny skies. A south wind of 5 to 10 mph, gusting up to 15 mph, will bring some relief to the region.
To assist those impacted by the cold, the First United Methodist Church at 7th and Water streets (pictured above in a file photo) is operating a warming center through Thursday, Jan. 23. The center is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., providing dinner and breakfast to those in need.
With the cold temperatures, it’s also important to prepare pets for the harsh conditions.
- If they can’t come inside, provide a shelter with three enclosed sides, a roof, and a floor that’s raised above the ground.
- Ensure their water is kept fresh, and the water bowl does not freeze.
- Use straw as bedding to insulate the shelter and allow pets to burrow.
- Avoid blankets, which retain moisture and can make pets colder.
- Provide a wind-protected entrance.
- Wipe your pet’s paws to remove snow-melting chemicals.
- If your pet is showing signs of hypothermia, like shivering, whining, or seeming weak, bring them inside quickly.
Additional resources for winter safety can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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