It’s time to finally bust out those winter coats. Temperatures are about to get frigid across the majority of the country.
The National Weather Service Prediction Center says an arctic cold front could bring record-breaking lows as far south as Miami by early next week. The winter wake-up begins Sunday and peaks around Monday or Tuesday, depending on the region.
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How cold is it supposed to get?
Over the weekend, highs in the Northern Plains and Great Lakes will hover around the 30s. By Monday, regions as far south as Alabama and Georgia will see highs in the 30s and 40s. Meteorologists say cities like Macon, Georgia, and Huntsville, Alabama, could see record lows.
According to the weather service, areas like the Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle could see morning lows in the 20s. More records could be broken in Savannah, Georgia; Mobile, Alabama; and Fort Myers, Florida.
Records in the coastal Carolinas are also not safe Tuesday, as highs will struggle to break 50 degrees. During this time of year, the region typically sits around the low 70s.
To make it feel even colder, strong winds will cause wind chills to fall into the teens. Meteorologists warn some areas of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest could see single-digit wind chills.
This cold blast of arctic air won’t last forever; milder temperatures will return by the end of Tuesday. However, those on the East Coast may have to deal with the cold air longer because of another cold front from Canada.
How to prepare for the cold
This will be the first major cold snap of the season, and it’s a great time to refamiliarize yourself with how to prepare for and react to the cold.
For clothing, experts say to wear at least three layers to protect from frigid temperatures. The first layer should be a moisture-wicking base, then an insulating layer in the middle, and finally a wind- and water-resistant outer layer.
Hats and gloves are essential, as extremities are the first parts of the body to be affected by cold.
Cold weather doesn’t mean pets can’t go out for a walk, but they need protection, too. Experts recommend giving dogs a cold-weather jacket when it drops below 40 degrees. Dog boots can also help protect their paws from ice on sidewalks and salt from salt trucks.
Freezing temperatures can also damage homes, specifically piping. If temperatures drop below freezing, slightly turn on your faucet to let water drip slowly and keep sink cabinet doors open. This helps prevent pipes from freezing, which can cause them to burst and lead to expensive repairs.
Disconnecting outdoor hoses and insulating spigots also helps prevent freezing.
