On Wednesday at 12:08 p.m. the National Weather Service released a cold weather advisory valid for Thursday between midnight and 10 a.m. for Tualatin Valley, West Central Willamette Valley, East Central Willamette Valley, Benton County Lowlands, Linn County Lowlands and Lane County Lowlands.
The weather service says, “Very cold wind chills as low as 20 degrees expected.”
“Deteriorating air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Wind chill values and very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure,” states the weather service. “State air quality agencies highly recommend that no outdoor burning occur and that residential wood burning devices be limited as much as possible. According to state air quality agencies, prolonged periods of stagnant air can hold pollutants close to the ground where people live and breathe. Check with your local burn agency for any current restrictions in your area. People with respiratory illness should follow their physician’s advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air, especially if an Air Quality Alert is in effect for your area. Alternatively, you could also type your location into the search bar found on the top-left hand side of the homepage. From there, you will see an Air Quality Alert listed at the top if one is in effect for your location; you can click the alert to read more details if applicable. Those planning to venture outdoors should use common sense and dress warmly, making sure exposed skin is properly covered to prevent frostbite and/or hypothermia. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. If you do not have heat in your home or lack shelter, you can call 211 for assistance locating appropriate shelter from the cold.”
Understanding cold weather alerts
Cold weather advisory: Be Aware. A cold weather advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors…