BE PREPARED FOR ARCTIC BLAST EARLY NEXT WEEK
Published on January 17, 2025
Well Below Zero Wind Chills Expected with Single Digit High Temperatures Possible
(Ithaca, NY) – Forecasters say a blast of frigid Arctic air will likely hit our region early next week, with the coldest day on Tuesday. In addition, some wind will help send the ‘feels-like’ temperatures plunging to well below zero.
The Department of Emergency Response is reminding residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against frostbite and hypothermia. Dangerously low wind chills can pose a risk to anyone outdoors for extended periods of time without protective clothing.
“Bitterly cold Arctic air is expected to enter the region Monday and stick around through Wednesday or Wednesday night,” said Mark Pellerito, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Binghamton. “Confidence is high for below zero overnight lows and single digit to teen highs, with wind chill values -15 to -25 possible at times. While we have had a few cold spells recently, don't be caught off guard - we anticipate this Arctic blast to be the coldest of any experienced in at least the past couple of winters."
Signs of hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling of hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
Frostbite is the freezing of specific body parts such as fingers, toes, the nose, or earlobes. Signs of frostbite include a lack of feeling in the affected area; skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored.
Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response, advises you “Limit your time outdoors, dress in layers, and be sure to wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to protect your face. If signs of hypothermia or frostbite appear, get out of the cold immediately and call 9-1-1.”
Under a “Code Blue” policy, the Department of Social Services provides emergency shelter on nights when temperatures drop below 32 degrees to ensure everyone is warm and safe. Report to Social Services at 320 W. MLK Jr/State St.in Ithaca Monday - Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm, or to the Code Blue Shelter at 300 N. Tioga Street after hours, on weekends, or on holidays to access emergency shelter. Shelter for anyone who qualifies as homeless is available year-round by applying through Tompkins County DSS. In lieu of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday, January 20th, the Code Blue shelter will serve as a Warming Center during the daytime hours, in addition to providing emergency shelter overnight.