Temperatures in the low 20s and teens; snow is possible

POLK COUNTY – The thermal belt will not feel very comfortable for the next week or so as artic air is headed to the area with some days reaching just over freezing and others seeing low temperatures in the teens.

The area has not seen this type of cold in a few years.

Chances of snow over New Year’s weekend have been on and off for the last couple of days with the latest seeing some chance of snow on New Year’s Eve. The chance of precipitation on Sunday, Dec. 31 was 20 percent as of late Wednesday.

The brutal cold began Wednesday night with temperatures in the low 20s and will continue through Saturday, Jan. 6 with lows in the teens and 20s. Monday, Jan. 1 is predicted have a low temperature of 16 degrees in Tryon and Tuesday, Jan. 2 a low of 18 degrees is predicted. The high temperature on Jan. 1 is expected to be just 34 degrees, while the high temperatures on Jan. 2 is 37 degrees. The wind chill will mean those temperatures feel much lower.

The snow chances will depend on how much of the polar vortex migrates south and pushes the moisture south with rain.

Residents should prepare for the extended cold temperatures by protecting themselves and their pets and livestock.

A good idea is to disconnect and drain any outdoor water hoses so the pipes will not freeze and owners of older homes particularly should consider leaving water dripping overnight if there is a tendency for pipes to freeze. Cabinets can also be left open so warm air reaches the pipes. Recreational vehicles should be winterized as well.

Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors, particularly the elderly, to make sure they have adequate heat.