It's cold out there, and the chill is here to stay.
A wind chill advisory is in effect until Thursday morning at 10 a.m. Overnight expect to see wind chills drop down to somewhere between -10 and -25. It's dangerously cold, and in just 10-15 minutes you can get frostbite on uncovered skin, so bundle up!
Thursday will be mostly sunny with highs reaching the mid-teens to 20.
Friday morning we're looking at a snow system rolling in so stay tuned for updates over the next several days.
Unfortunately we don't thaw out and warm up until Monday.
Also, ater an afternoon fire destroyed a home in Avon, firefighters around the state are asking neighbors to double check their smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, chimneys and space heaters to make sure they're being safe when cold temperatures set in.
For more information keeping safe check out this link: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/heating/heating-safety-tips
And here are some tips for the cold from the Connecticut Department of Public Health:
- Dress in layers. This helps keep you insulated and lets you take off or add more layers of clothing as needed. Wear many layers of loose-fitting clothing and stay dry.
- Cover your skin. When the wind chill brings the temperature well below zero, be sure to cover your skin. In extreme cold, skin exposed to the cold air can get frostbite in just a few minutes. If you have to go outside, you should wear:
- Hat
- Scarf or knit face mask to cover your face and mouth
- Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
- Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
- Water-resistant coat and boots
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Beverages with alcohol and caffeine actually make your body lose heat more quickly. Drink hot, sweetened beverages to help you stay warm.
- Perform your work during the warmest part of the day. People who work outside should do so during the warmest part of the day, if possible.
- Take frequent breaks from the cold. If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters to let your body warm up.
- Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Know how to recognize cold illness and when to get medical treatment right away.
- Make sure infants stay warm. Infants under one year old should not sleep in cold bedrooms because they lose body heat more easily and are unable to shiver to keep themselves warm. Keep them properly clothed and indoors in warm temperatures.
- Check on elderly neighbors and family members. People over the age of 65 often are less active and have lower metabolisms, making them lose body heat more quickly. Make sure that the temperature in their home is adequate enough to keep them warm
