Temperature Forecast

There are still slight discrepancies among the model on just how cold it will get, but all models are in agreement on an Arctic blast. Perhaps more important than just how low the temperature drops this week is how long we will stay below freezing. Take a look at the GFS temperature forecast for BHM. If it is correct (and it should be close), we’ll go below freezing around 11 pm Wednesday, and stay there until Saturday morning. That’s about 60 continuous hours below freezing.

Notice it stays below freezing all day Thursday, and in the 20s on Friday. The low for the week occurs Friday morning, at 14. But, Friday night will be very cold also, with temperatures hovering between 15 and 20 all night. (Arctic air doesn’t radiate effectively, so once the wind dies down, the temperature doesn’t drop rapidly.)

Wind chill will be even colder…as low as 5 at times during the day on Thursday, and near zero Thursday night.

Go ahead and make any cold weather preparations by tomorrow evening, including wrapping outdoor faucets or turning off water supply to them and draining them, checking antifreeze in cars, and draining all garden hoses. Any water outside smaller than a large lake will freeze. Also, go ahead and check on any elderly or disabled people you know who may need some help preparing for the cold weather.

If you work outdoors, be sure to wear plenty of layers. 2 pairs of socks, extra T-shirts, gloves, and a hat are great.

PETS:
Once the cold air sets in Thursday and Friday, make sure to provide adequate shelter for pets also. Most dogs and cats around here, even if they are large, are not prepared for this kind of cold. Bring them indoors or into the basement if at all possible starting Wednesday night, even if you have to put them in a big box in the kitchen. If you absolutely have to leave the pets outside: 1. Make sure they have a continuously supply of unfrozen drinking water, 2. make sure their doghouse door faces south, 3. add a curtain or something over the door (test it to be sure they’ll go through it), 4. put extra blankets, towels, etc. in their dog house, 5. put a sweater, sweatshirt, or something on them if possible; Even if you just have to cut holes in an old one of yours, it helps. However, bringing them in is still the best alternative.

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