(By RYAN SKAITH)
It has been a relatively mild winter thus far, but temperatures are expected to take a major dive by this weekend throughout the Midland Empire.
Meteorologist Dan Holiday says extreme cold air could reach the area by Thursday. “There is a significant arctic air mass coming down from Canada and we’ll really start to feel the effects of that Thursday night with lows forecast anywhere from zero to 5 above.”
While it will be bitterly cold, Holiday says snow chances are light for northern Missouri. “There are low-end snow chances for Friday and Saturday. Most of the heavier snowfall should be south of us, but its still too early to tell for sure.”
With such low temperatures, Holiday says to keep an extra eye on your pets. “If you have outdoor pets or even livestock, its going to be really important to watch them carefully from Thursday through the remainder of the weekend because temperatures will be frigid combined with gusty winds.”
Friday’s high is forecast between 10 and 15 degrees with a low of negative 2. Saturday will be in the single digits with a 30% chance of snow.
Holiday emphasizes that while northern Missouri may not get as much precipitation, motorists should stay cautious as weather conditions can change quickly.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends packing extra blankets and pillows in case you become stranded in your vehicle. Drivers can also call Star 55 to be connected with the nearest Patrol headquarters.
The area will see a slight warm-up early next week with temperatures in the low to mid 30s.