HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Heading into the weekend, The Weather Authority is actively monitoring an arctic cold air mass that will encase the majority of the United States.
The Weather Authority has issued an Impact Day for Monday morning because of the threat of dangerous arctic cold air that will surge south. Winds will begin to shift out of the north early Sunday morning, but the greatest threat will be late Sunday night into Monday morning.
A cold weather advisory has been issued for much of the Tennessee Valley for Sunday and Monday. The advisory will go into effect at 6 p.m. Sunday and continue until 6 a.m. Monday for all of North Alabama. Southern Middle Tennessee will go under the advisory at 12 AM Sunday. Wind chill values are expected to drop into the single digits during this period, and some areas could see a wind chill as low as 2 degrees. Prolonged exposure of unprotected, exposed skin could lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
The Tennessee Valley will experience roughly 34 hours of temperatures below freezing, which is 32 degrees. The bigger concern will be the feel-like temperatures, which could fall into the single digits late Sunday evening.
Sustained winds are forecast between 10 and 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph on Sunday. It will be these blustery winds that will surge the near-record cold south into our region.
Temperatures on Sunday will only reach the upper 20s to low 30s, but the blustery wind will make it feel more like the teens. Sunday morning will bring windchills near zero across much of the area.
Another concern for dangerous cold will be Monday morning as lows plummet into the low to mid-teens. The wind chill values are expected to be in the teens by sunrise on Monday, as winds lighten up a little. The coldest air will be across Southern Middle Tennessee.
Protecting Yourself From The Cold:
Ahead of the coldest air this season, make sure you take the precautions to protect yourself and your property. When heading out on Sunday or early Monday morning, you must wear multiple layers to prevent any health problems. Make sure you cover any exposed outdoor pipes or faucets. If you’re concerned about your pipes freezing, you can leave a small drip or a steady, small stream of water through your faucets. Make sure your pets have a warm and safe place to sleep…