A strong Arctic blast sweeping across the country will bring the coldest — and most dangerous — air of this winter so far to Colorado, starting Friday through the holiday weekend.
☀️ READ MORE
How to stay safe when it gets dangerously cold in Colorado
We found answers to common questions that pop up when the temperature drops
Read moreTemperatures are expected to start dropping Friday and by nighttime, be in the teens, forecasters at the National Weather Service’s Office in Boulder predict. By Sunday, most of the state will experience frigid cold with highs in the single digits and lows below zero, the weather service said.
On Monday, prepare to seriously bundle up — or better yet, just stay inside. High temperatures during the day Monday could linger near zero.
Temperatures could stay below freezing for 114 consecutive hours with the lowest temperature dipping to minus 12 on Monday in Denver, according to 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi.
The brutally cold air originating from the Arctic Ocean will sweep across the U.S., causing health risks, stress to electricity grids and crop damage.
For those planning to hit the slopes for the long weekend, expect significant delays on Interstate 70. The arctic storm will create hazardous driving conditions, including fast-developing icy patches on the road Friday night through Saturday morning, the Colorado Department of Transportation said.
The extreme low temperatures will reduce the effectiveness of deicing products, CDOT said.
Colorado can also expect to feel wind chills of minus 30 degrees or lower Saturday through Tuesday, which will pose a big risk for hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin and any pets or livestock.
By Tuesday morning, temperatures will begin to rise, but still linger below freezing, the weather service said.
In addition to the blast of cold air, NWS forecasters say snow will start to fall along the Interstate 25 corridor, foothills and mountains Friday night and continue through Saturday. Another round of light snow could come Sunday night into Monday morning.
Between 4 to 6 inches of snow is forecast for Denver, Boulder, Estes Park and Castle Rock, the NWS said Thursday. Less snow is expected in the Eastern Plains — with 1 to 2 inches predicted.
Here’s how to prepare for the incoming arctic storm:
Know where your home’s water shut-off valve is
Before temperatures plummet, Denver Water suggests knowing where and how to turn off your home’s water to avoid further damage in the case your pipes freeze and burst. In most single-family homes, the valve is in the basement or crawl space, or on a wall facing the street.
Once temperatures drop, make sure to open sink cabinet doors so the heat from your home can warm them. Leave your faucet on a very slow drip to keep water molecules moving, lowering the chance that pipes will freeze. You can place a bucket below the faucet to reuse the water for other purposes.
Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when you leave the house for several days.
Limit your time outdoors
If extreme cold sets in as expected, people should limit time outside, especially if any skin is exposed. At minus 5 degrees and a wind speed of 30 mph, you could get frostbite in about 10 minutes, according to UCHealth.
Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze, causing damage that can be permanent if it goes untreated.
To reduce your risk, dress in warm layers, limit your time outside and be aware of any signs of frostbite, UCHealth advises. Common signs of frostbite include redness or pain in the affected area, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin, numbness, and in severe cases, blisters or blackened skin.
If your toes and fingers are numb, go inside. Rewarm the affected area in warm (not hot) water for 15 to 30 minutes, UCHealth suggests. Keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling, take over-the-counter pain medications if warming is painful and avoid walking if your toes or feet are frostbitten.
Most towns will set up warming centers when temperatures drop to dangerously low levels. Here’s a list of locations opening their doors for those who need a place to warm up in the Denver metro area.
Keep your pets inside
Your pet’s cold tolerance can vary based on their coat, body fat and health, but know your pet’s limits and plan accordingly, the American Veterinary Medical Association advises.
With this weekend’s forecast, you will likely have to shorten your dog’s walks to protect you and your pup. Just like people, dogs (and cats) are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and generally should be kept inside.
If you go for a walk, make sure to do a paw-check once inside. Any antifreeze or de-icing products on your dog’s paws could be toxic, the association said. Wipe down or wash your pet’s feet, legs and stomach to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned by licking them from their feet or fur.
Make sure your livestock have shelter
Livestock can generally tolerate cold temperatures, but winds or snow will require them to burn more calories. Make sure they have a way to get out of the elements, the veterinary association said. Blankets can help protect horses, but a shelter with proper ventilation and dry bedding is the best way to protect them.
It’s key that your animals have access to fresh and unfrozen water. Tank heaters or heated buckets can help keep water at a temperature your animals are more comfortable drinking.
If driving, pack an emergency kit in your car
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday typically brings a busy weekend for Interstate 70 and the mountain roads, so make sure you are prepared if your car breaks down and you have to wait for roadside assistance.
AAA suggests packing an emergency kit that includes water, a first-aid kit, nonperishable snacks, a shovel, warm clothing, blankets and a flashlight. Be sure to bring a phone with emergency contacts and an extra charger or external battery, and a couple packets of handwarmers typically for skiing are good to have in the car.
Traction mats, jumper cables and an ice scraper are also helpful to pack.
CDOT suggests checking weather forecasts and road conditions on COtrip.org. Drivers are strongly discouraged from traveling overnight Friday.
(Remember, Snowstang is an alternative for those who don’t want to drive over the MLK Jr. holiday weekend. It provides bus service Saturday, Sunday and Monday to Loveland ski area, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain and Breckenridge. Roundtrip tickets are $25.)
Reduce speeds, increase following distance and be prepared for quick changes in road conditions, the department said.
“CDOT maintenance crews will be out in full force, but the arctic temperatures will prove to be a challenge as the roads will experience continuous refreezing,” CDOT said.