“Wind chills will fall into the -25 to -35 range starting (tonight), when frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes,” said Nick Langlieb, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Marquette. “It is best to limit exposure to the cold.”

Langlieb said lake effect snow is expected in the western U.P and parts of the eastern U.P in addition to the cold temperatures.

“Those traveling should keep an eye on the winter weather headlines as well and be prepared for reduced visibility and snow covered roads,” he said. “It is best to have an emergency winter kit in the vehicle and make sure the vehicle is in good working order. Even on a short trip, you need to have the proper clothing with you in case of a breakdown or unforeseen circumstance that could have you exposed to the cold air longer than you expected.”

Looking ahead, Langlieb said below average temperatures (subzero lows and highs in the single digits and teens) will continue through next week. The climate prediction center is calling for better chances for below normal temperatures over the eastern half of the United States for the next 8-14 days.

“This doesn’t mean that we couldn’t have days at or above normal, but overall there is a higher risk for below normal temperatures through that period,” he said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the predicted high temperature on Thursday is 7 degrees, with an overnight low of -13. Friday’s high is -5 with a low of -15, and Saturday’s high is 2 with a low of -13, not accounting for wind chill.

The NWS recommends dressing in loose layers and cover all exposed skin, limiting or avoiding time outdoors, consuming hot foods and warm drinks and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. It is also recommended to check in on family, friends and neighbors during the extreme cold watch.

Potential for closures

Under an extreme cold watch, it is advised that the public confirm any area events are still being held before venturing out. Van Riper State Park is currently scheduled to host a lantern-lit snowshoe event on Friday at its rustic Peshekee River cabin and is expected to make the decision regarding cancellation by noon today. More information can be found on the Van Riper State Park Facebook page.

Keep pets in mind

The Animal Humane Society urges pet owners to think twice when letting pets outside for extended periods of time in extremely low temperatures.

“Temperatures below freezing along with wind chill can be dangerous, even deadly, for domesticated pets,” reads the website. “Dogs should be let out only to relieve themselves, and cats should be kept indoors at all times.”

Risk of frozen pipes

Opening up kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors will allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, states the American Red Cross website.

“When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes,” reads the website. “Running water through the pipe — even at a trickle — helps prevent pipes from freezing.”

If a pipe does freeze up, keep the faucet open. Begin applying heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

“As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area,” the ARC website states. “Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.”

Justin Marietti can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 545. His email address is jmarietti@miningjournal.net