Winter Temperatures Hit Tonight

After weeks of unseasonably warm weather, temperatures are set to drop this evening in North Haven. 

According to the National Weather Service, North Haven-ers can expect a low of around ten degrees tonight. With wind chill, temperatures may at times feel closer to zero degrees. 

From the Hazardous Weather Outlook report:

"An Arctic cold front will usher in the coldest air mass of the season so far. Wind chills should fall to around zero after midnight tonight as temperatures fall into the teens and northeast winds gust as high as 25mph."

Wednesday night will see a slight possibility of snow showers, the Service says. Currently, the chance for precipitation stands at 20%.

“Wind chills are forecasted to be between -5 F and -15 F overnight tonight,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford in a press release. “These are bitterly cold temperatures, that is why we are taking steps now to make sure that we can take care of those in need of warmth and shelter.”

The DESPP also offers several tips for staying safe in the cold:

• Dress in layers. This helps keep you insulated and lets you take off or add more layers of clothing as needed. Wear many layers of loose-fitting clothing and stay dry.

• Cover your skin. When the wind chill brings the temperature well below zero, be sure to cover your skin. In extreme cold, skin exposed to the cold air can get frostbite in just a few minutes. If you have to go outside, you should wear:
  • Hat
  • Scarf or knit face mask to cover your face and mouth
  • Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
  • Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
  • Water-resistant coat and boots

• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Beverages with alcohol and caffeine actually make your body lose heat more quickly. Drink hot, sweetened beverages to help you stay warm.

• Take frequent breaks from the cold. If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters to let your body warm up.

• Make sure infants stay warm. Infants under one year old should not sleep in cold bedrooms because they lose body heat more easily and are unable to shiver to keep themselves warm. Keep them properly clothed and indoors in warm temperatures.

• Check on elderly neighbors and family members.  People over the age of 65 often are less active and have lower metabolisms, making them lose body heat more quickly. Make sure that the temperature in their home is adequate enough to keep them warm.

 

Friday will offer a respite from the cold in North Haven, with temperatures climbing to a balmy 41 degrees.