Kansas, it’s time to hunker down! A brutal Arctic blast is heading straight for us, and it’s bringing some of the coldest temperatures we’ve seen in years. By midnight, thermometers are expected to plummet to a staggering -30°F, and with the wind chill, it could feel as cold as -60°F. This isn’t just a chilly night—it’s dangerously cold, and you need to be ready.
What’s Happening?
As the sun sets, temperatures will drop fast, and the wind will make it feel even worse. If you’re outside, frostbite could set in within minutes, and roads will turn into sheets of ice.
Meteorologists are warning that this cold snap could be one for the record books, and officials are urging everyone to take it seriously.
Who’s Going to Feel It the Most?
No part of Kansas will be spared from this deep freeze, but some areas will be hit especially hard:
- Wichita: An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from 6 PM Tuesday to noon Thursday. With wind chills making it feel like -50°F or colder, even a few minutes outside could be dangerous.
- Topeka: A Winter Storm Warning is in place through midnight, with snow leading into extreme cold. Wind chills could reach -29°F, and any leftover moisture will freeze fast, making roads treacherous.
- Kansas City: Heavy snow will give way to dangerous cold. A Winter Storm Warning remains active until early Wednesday, and temperatures will keep dropping, making travel increasingly risky.
How to Stay Safe
This is serious cold—the kind that can be deadly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Stay Inside: If you don’t have to go out, don’t. Frostbite can happen in just 5 minutes at these temperatures.
- Bundle Up: If you absolutely must go outside, wear multiple layers, thick socks, gloves, a hat, and a face covering. Exposed skin is at risk.
- Keep Your Home Warm: Check your heating system, block drafts, and stock up on extra blankets and warm clothes.
- Protect Your Pipes: At these temperatures, pipes can freeze and burst. Keep a slow drip running in your faucets and open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate.
- Check on Others: Make sure elderly neighbors, family members, and pets are safe, warm, and have everything they need.
Travel Advisory
If you can avoid traveling, do it. Roads will be dangerously icy, and extreme cold can cause cars to break down. If you absolutely have to drive:
- Pack an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze-ups.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to arrive in case you get stuck.
Things can change quickly, so keep an eye on local news, weather alerts, and emergency notifications. Sign up for alerts on your phone, and be ready to take action if conditions get worse.
