Northwest Arkansas residents are coping with an extended bout of cold weather at the start of a new year.
Lows have dropped into the teens Thursday and Friday, with the wind chill dropping into negative numbers, according to the Tulsa, Okla., office of the National Weather Service.
Even colder weather is on the way, said Amy Jankowski, spokeswoman for the service.
After warmer weather Friday, the forecast called for snow Saturday and into this morning, with accumulations of 2 inches to 3 inches, Jankowski said. The wind will be blustery with gusts up to 15 mph, she said.
At A Glance
Signs Of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is the general cooling of the whole body over time, reflected in a reduced core body temperature; the body is not able to keep itself warm. Elderly adults and those in frail health are highly susceptible to hypothermia. Signs and symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, feelings of numbness, drowsiness, exhaustion, confusion, memory lapses, slow or slurred speech, slow breathing and pulse rates, failing eyesight, poor coordination and possible unconsciousness. If a person is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 for immediate emergency treatment. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition.
Source: Benton County Emergency Management
At A Glance
Cold Weather Dressing
• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
The high temperature today should be about 23 degrees with a low of 6 degrees, Jankowski said. The high Monday should be 8 degrees, she said. Wind chills are forecast to be minus 9 on Sunday, minus 10 on Monday and zero on Tuesday, Jankowski said.
The extended cold weather can cause harm to people, pets and to buildings, according to a news release from the Benton County Department of Emergency Management. Older adults, those in fragile health and smaller children can be more readily affected by the cold than the average adult.
People should be aware of the extent of their physical activity and avoid overexertion, according to the release. Cold weather puts additional strain on the body, especially the heart. Those with health problems should be checked on frequently, preferably by phone.
Pets should remain inside as much as possible, said Courtney Kremer, director of Animal Services for the city of Springdale.
Any outside animal should have an enclosed shelter, with a top, a bottom and four sides. Kremer said. The entrance to the shelter shouldn't face the wind. Straw works better as an insulator than blankets, she said.
Animals also should be fed more in cold weather since they need more food to stay warm, Kremer said. Animals also need water that isn’t frozen.
William Conklin of 1st Plumbing Services in Bentonville said he thawed several frozen pipes Friday. The cause is usually open vents or faucets left exposed. The weather has been cold long enough water pipes in unheated attics have frozen.
“Walk around your house,” Conklin said. “Look for open vents in the foundation that should be closed.”
Leave water running in pipes that have frozen before, Conklin said. Leave cabinet doors open under sinks on outside walls, he said. Unoccupied rental units are especially vulnerable.
“Rentals should be winterized, with hot water heaters drained and water blown out of drains,” Conklin said.
Undiscovered frozen pipes could leak and create a lot of damage, Conklin said.