Arctic blast to roar into Middle Tennessee tonight

As students enjoy a day off from school Tuesday in Cannon County and surrounding areas, they can prepare for a blast of cold on Wednesday.

Cold weather will be in place today, but it will become even colder by Wednesday as a strong arctic cold front moves through the area late tonight. After highs today in the lower 30s, the mercury will fall into the teens by early Wednesday morning, with wind chill values ranging from -2 degrees north to 10 degrees south. As this arctic air mass settles in, temperatures will warm little during the day with highs on Wednesday topping out in the upper teens north to the mid to upper 20s south. Making it feel even colder, northwest winds of around 10 mph will create afternoon wind chill readings ranging from the single digits north and Cumberland Plateau Region to lower 20s south.

The coldest temperatures of the winter season will occur Wednesday night as lows fall to 5 to 10 degrees along the Cumberland Plateau Region, and 10 to 15 degrees elsewhere. Wednesday night wind chill values will generally be in the single digits. This frigid weather will begin to modify by Thursday afternoon as more tolerable temperatures in the 30s and lower 40s return.

To protect ones self against this arctic outbreak, be sure to dress in layers and cover all exposed skin if venturing outside. Consider bringing in any outdoor pets and cover any non frost proof outdoor faucets. Check on the elderly and homeless also. To prevent pipes from freezing, leave a slow drip in regard to indoor faucets.