With all of the talk about the snow and near-blizzard conditions Sunday (rightfully so), we wanted to make sure we discussed the pending arctic outbreak and record-smashing temperatures ahead early next week.
(As a side note, our going snowfall accumulation ideas remain unchanged with a band of 9-12″ of snow from Indianapolis and points north with less amounts south of Indy where mixing issues will keep accumulations in the 5-9″ range).
As our winter storm moves northeast into the Great Lakes Sunday night, it’ll help slug a huge piece of arctic air south to the likes not seen around these parts since 1994. We’re talking about dangerous, life threatening, cold Sunday night through Wednesday morning. With a deep snow pack on the ground left behind by our memorable winter storm, the stage will be set for actual temperatures to most likely drop even lower than guidance currently suggests.
We think actual air temperatures fall below zero as early as 12a-3a Monday, per latest guidance. (Wind chill values will fall below zero shortly after dark Sunday).
Let’s take a look at high temperatures Monday. Frigid and dangerous temperature conditions continue into mid week…
Daytime Highs Monday will range from 7 to 12 BELOW zero (that’s not a typo).
Additionally, wind chill values will plummet to levels that can quickly lead to frost bite of any exposed skin. We think wind chill values range as low as 50 degrees below zero Monday. At 30 degrees below zero, exposed skin can freeze within 30 minutes. At 40 degrees below zero, exposed skin can freeze within 10 minutes, and at 50 degrees below zero, exposed skin can freeze in under 5 minutes. Here’s a look at forecast wind chill values:
Needless to say, please remain indoors and hunker down the next couple days if at all possible. Weather conditions will be downright dangerous to be outdoors and you risk putting yourself in harms way, as well as first responders, should you venture out of your home. Getting stuck in a snow bank in any sort of weather conditions is dangerous, but when you factor in this type of cold, major problems can, and will, quickly develop.