Weather forecasters are already sounding the alarm over a blast of Arctic air that is expected to arrive in Tuscarawas County in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The anticipated cold wave that will arrive on Sunday and stick around at least through Wednesday will be the coldest temperatures so far this winter and among the chilliest in recent memory.
The National Weather Service’s Pittsburgh Office issued a hazardous weather outlook on Thursday.
“There is high confidence in much below normal temperatures next week, with the coldest period most likely between Monday and Wednesday,” the weather service warned. “Extreme cold will stress local infrastructure and prolonged exposure to the cold could be dangerous.”
The National Weather Service says Saturday’s high near 40 will seem balmy as temperatures drop below zero degrees by Monday morning.
National Weather Service says a potentially dangerous Cold Wave is expected in Greater Akron starting on MLK Day.
It will be a chilly Martin Luther King Jr. Day with an anticipated high of just 6 degrees.
And things get more extreme and potentially dangerous from there.
The minimum wind chill temperature is expected to dip to minus-20 in Dover/New Philadelphia on Tuesday, and minus-14 degrees in Zanesville.
The deep chill is expected to continue Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with sub-zero temperatures again expected.
The only good news is no snow is expected to start the week.
Minimum wind chill temperatures forecasted for Jan. 21, 2025.
What should I do to prepare for the cold wave?
The weather service says residents should prepare now for the extreme cold.
If you must go outside during the cold wave, the weather service says residents should dress in layers and cover any exposed skin.
Outdoor pets should be brought inside because of the predicted cold temperatures.
Food and water bowls left outside should be checked frequently as they likely will freeze over.
The weather service also suggests making sure pipes are insulated and residents should open cabinet doors to sinks so water pipes are exposed to the home’s heat.
With the extreme cold, the weather service warns power outages are also possible.
Will school be canceled because of the cold?
There’s no magic formula and consistent policy among Ohio school districts when it comes to when school is canceled because of the weather.
The factors range from the weather conditions to the number of students in a particular district who have to walk to school.
When it comes to the cold, things get a bit tricky.
Most districts take their cues from the National Weather Service, which issues everything from advisories to warnings when temperatures plummet to dangerous conditions.
School officials also consider the so-called real-feel temperature − what the temperature is like on exposed skin.
National Weather Service forecast for Dover/New Philadelphia
Tonight
A chance of snow before 1am, then a slight chance of snow showers between 1am and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. West wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 34. South wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Friday Night
A chance of rain and snow between 1am and 4am, then a chance of rain after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 29. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday
Rain before 4pm, then rain and snow likely. High near 40. South wind around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday Night
Snow likely, mainly before 7pm. Cloudy, with a low around 17. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1.
M.L. King Day
Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 6.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around -7.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 6.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around -8.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 15.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Weather service: Dangerous cold snap heading toward Tuscarawas County