Feels like -10°F: What to expect as arctic cold front moves through the Big Country

Heading into a new work week and the final stretch of winter, another blast of cold air is on the way to the Big Country. While there aren’t any major impacts expected in terms of precipitation, temperatures are set to drop dangerously low, with the area staying below freezing for around 68 hours!

Here’s what to expect over the next couple of days:

Tuesday, the timing of the front will determine how quickly temperatures drop. If our predicted timeline holds, we’ll start a bit “warmer”, reaching the upper 40s in the morning before the front pushes through the Key City. Once it does, temperatures will steadily fall throughout the rest of the day, dipping into the upper 20s by evening.

The first round of cold air sets in on Tuesday night, with lows plummeting into the teens. This marks the start of a 68-hour stretch where temperatures stay below freezing. During this time, an Extreme Cold Warning will be in effect. Be sure to follow the 4 P’s guidelines (people, pets, pipes, and plants), and keep an eye out for any tips from your electric company on staying safe indoors and out.

Because of the prolonged cold, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning from Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon. Wind chill values could drop as low as -10°F, which means hypothermia and frostbite can happen quickly if skin is exposed for too long. Pipes are also likely to freeze, so take precautions to prevent damage.

As for precipitation, this system isn’t expected to bring much. A few snow flurries might pop up across the area, but no major travel impacts are anticipated.

The real story here is the potential for record-breaking cold. Some of these 30-degree afternoons are still within our freezing stretch, and that could put us in the record books. The record low for Wednesday is 32°F, set in 2009, but the forecast high for that day is only in the upper 20s. Then on Thursday, we have another shot at breaking a record, with the forecast high around 32°F, compared to the record low of 35°F, set in 1959.

The bottom line, this cold is no joke. Stay weather-aware, bundle up, and check in with your local meteorologist for updates!