How to Prepare for and Withstand Record Cold Temperatures

Businesses will also need to consider a change in operations. Outdoor activities and operations in manufacturing facilities may need to slow or halt. Chemical plants and refineries, while used to cold Midwestern winters, will likely need to prepare even further for next week’s temperatures. Insulated pipes and tanks may need additional support and consideration to withstand the cold.

There is however, some good news. First, this Arctic air mass is being pushed south from extremely dry regions. This means that dew points and humidity levels are expected to be very low, and thus, widespread snow is not expected. Second, as this type of air mass is shallow and lacks the dynamics to generate a strong wind field, wind is not anticipated. Winds of 15–20 mph may be common, but the heavy winds that can accompany a strong winter storm (>50mph) are not expected.

If you have a professional weather service like StormGeo monitoring your operations, check in with your online weather portal, be ready for notifications from your weather team and have them join your internal calls to provide the latest, location-specific forecasts. It’s important you stay updated, whether your weather source is the local television meteorologist or a team of experts like StormGeo. Conditions in your area can change, so make sure you’re aware of those changes so that you, your family and your employees are properly prepared.

More information on staying safe this winter:

• Winter safety guide
• Wind chill temperatures
• Winter car survival kit
• What are the signs of hypothermia?
• Essential tasks after extreme cold