An extreme cold watch will soon be in effect for the Greater Cincinnati area, as an arctic blast makes its way toward the East Coast. That means dangerously cold weather is possible.
Some places in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will get subzero wind chill temperatures and anyone who spends too much time outside may be at risk for frostnip, frostbite and hyperthermia.
The watch will last from Sunday night to Wednesday morning, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
Daytime warming centers will be open throughout Cincinnati from 6:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. That includes city-run recreation centers in Over-the-Rhine, Bond Hill, College Hill, North Avondale and more. You can find a complete list of those locations here.
The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky operates a 24-hour warming center at 436 W. 13th St. in Covington. You can call ahead for availability information at 859-291-4555.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and warm in the coming days:
How cold will it actually be?
For the most part, lows will be in the single digits and highs will be in the teens. But it’s the wind you have to worry about.
Wind chill is what the air temperature feels like on exposed human skin. The lower the temperature and faster the wind, the colder it will feel.
For instance, when it’s 1 degree Sunday night, expected 25 mph wind gusts will make it feel around 24 degrees below zero. When it’s 3 degrees below zero Tuesday night, even a slight wind will make it feel like it’s -16 degrees.
The chances for snow have also increased for Sunday, with snow squalls possibly occurring in the afternoon, the weather service said.
Here’s your forecast for the next few days. It includes wind chill estimates provided by the National Weather Service as of Saturday morning.
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Saturday night: Low around 21 degrees, 11 mph wind, 20% chance of precipitation.
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Sunday daytime: high near 25 degrees, less than half an inch of snow accumulation possible, 50% chance of precipitation, 9 to 25 mph winds.
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Sunday night: Low around 1 degree, 10 to 13 mph wind, wind gusts up to 24 mph. Wind chill –16 to around -19 degrees, 25 mph wind gusts will make it feel -24 degrees.
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Monday daytime: High near 13 degrees, 9 mph wind with 20 mph gusts. Wind chill around 3 degrees, 20 mph gusts could make it feel around -2.
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Monday night: Partly cloudy with a low around 4 degrees.
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Tuesday daytime: Mostly sunny, high around 16 degrees. Mostly clear, low around -3.
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Wednesday daytime: Mostly sunny, high near 22 degrees.
The weather service only predicts wind chill a few days in advance. But you can keep an eye on what the wind chill is with the chart below.
A wind chill chart indicates what the air will feel like on exposed human skin based on wind and temperature.
Will I actually get frostbite if I go outside?
If you have adequate winter clothing or you are able to stay indoors, you’ll likely be pretty safe from cold-related injuries. But yes, frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia are possible when temperatures drop.
For this extreme cold watch, most people would have to be outside in zero-degree temperatures during at least 15 mph winds to get frostbite within 30 minutes, according to the weather service.
Some people are more at risk for cold related injures and should take extra precautions. That includes the elderly, newborns, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness.
Every person is different though, so if you are concerned about cold-weather-related symptoms, see a doctor.
Any suggestions for staying warm?
Layers, layers, layers!
That’s basically what the weather service recommends if you have to go outside. That includes two to three layers on your upper and lower body; gloves, warm hats, face masks and boots.
If your power goes out because of ice or heavy winds, the weather service recommends closing blinds, curtains and room doors throughout your house to keep heat from escaping; remember to eat and drink, but avoid caffeine and alcohol; use towels or rags to fill cracks under doors; wear layers of loose-fitting and warm clothing.
If you plan on driving, it’s helpful to have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. That includes items like jumper cables, flashlights, radio, cat litter or sand for tire traction, hand and foot warmers, medical supplies and specialized medication, blankets, ice scraper, charged cell phone and other items.
The National Weather Service provides winter weather tips on its website.
For more winter weather safety tips, visit the National Weather Service website.
How can I help people?
Even in the best of times, not everyone can afford warm clothes, heat, a place to stay or food.
That’s downright deadly during extreme weather.
Here’s a previously published list of how to help your neighbors:
More: Near-0 degree temperatures are coming. Here’s how to help others stay warm in the cold
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati weather: Extreme cold watch issued amid frigid wind chills