The National Weather Service is forecasting extremely cold air from Thursday night through the weekend and into Monday. Temperatures are not expected break above 0°, until at least mid-day Saturday, with dangerous windchill values ranging from the negative teens to twenties at least through Sunday Morning, and again on Monday.
Area residents should limit time outside. If going out is necessary, dress in layers and cover exposed skin; frostbite and hypothermia may set in quickly without protection.
Likewise, if it is too cold for you to be outside, it is likely too cold for your pets as well. The Humane Society of the United States notes that if pets can’t come indoors, they should be protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in their body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Other animals or livestock should be sheltered as well, with access to non-frozen drinking water.
When the temperature drops, it can cost more to heat a home or businesses. With colder weather bringing higher energy usage, Black Hills Energy is encouraging their customers to practice energy conservation to help save energy and money, and has provided some tips to manage heat use:
- Lower your temperature setting a few degrees to save energy and close curtains to keep warm air inside.
- Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees and ensure the water heater is insulated properly.
- Adjust your humidity. A well-humidified house at 68 degrees Fahrenheit is as comfortable as a dry house at 75 degrees.
- Make sure your fireplace damper closes tightly when you’re not using it and use kitchen, bath and other ventilation fans only as needed.
- If you plan on cooking multiple dishes, bake as many as you can at the same time.
- Skip the drying cycle on your dishwasher. Instead, prop the door open once dishes are washed and allow them to air dry.
- Unplug office equipment like printers, shredders, scanners and other household appliances, like your coffee maker, to prevent them from pulling energy when not in use.
In addition to the frigid temperatures, there is also a moderate possibility of snow from Thursday night into Saturday. Fortunately, snowfall should remain light and winds low, minimizing the possibility of blowing and drifting in the area.
