Dangerously cold temps arrive in our area

Emergency officials are warning of dangerously cold temperatures over the next few days, as an arctic air mass settles across the region.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a cold weather advisory through 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

According to the Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Department, we will see the coldest temperatures so far this season. Forecasters say temperatures should fall to near zero tonight and Tuesday night. The wind will make that feel like -10 to -20 degrees below zero.

Afternoon highs today and Tuesday are only expected to get into the low teens. With wind chills today of -12.

The National Weather Service urges you to be safe if you have to be outside in this weather. With this cold, you could get frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. You should make sure to wear appropriate layered clothes including hat and gloves. If you must go outdoors, cover all your exposed skin. If you have to work outside, take frequent breaks in a warm, heated area.

Columbus and Bartholomew County will be offering warming locations through Tuesday. You can stop into Donner Center off of 22nd Street from 8 to 5 each day to warm up. You can also drop into either Bartholomew County Public Library branch in Columbus or Hope today or Tuesday.

Several area schools have already declared delays for Monday morning. You can find a complete list here: https://delays.1010wcsi.com