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Lows will be down in the single digits and low teens on Monday through Wednesday, which means you need to prepare. Remember to protect people, pets and pipes.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — We’ve had a very cold start to the year and the coldest air of the season will move into the Southeast beginning Sunday night and lasting through at least Thursday morning.
Temperatures could be 15° to 25° below average with highs in the teens and lower 20s and lows in the single digits and teens possible. The average high is 48° and the average low is 30°.
On Sunday night/Monday morning, another concern will be the wind chills, which could be near to below zero.
Our part of the country typically only experiences temperatures this cold once or twice a decade, so now is the time to get prepared!
Remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety: People, pets, plants, pipes and practice fire safety!
Key Tips for People
- Minimize your time outdoors. Stay indoors when possible.
- If you are outdoors, dress in multiple layers. Wear a winter hat, gloves and something to cover your face to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Check on vulnerable people to make sure they’re ok.
- Prepare for the possibility of power outages. Have extra blankets and winter coats.
- Do not leave children or pets unattended with space heaters or fireplaces.
- Make sure your vehicles have gas and have a winter emergency road kit ready.
Key Tips for Pets/Animals
- Avoid leaving pets outside for extended periods.
- Consider dressing your dog in a sweater for short walks or potty breaks, especially if they’re comfortable wearing clothing.
- Bring them inside to access food and water in a warm environment.
- Every pet is different; adjust their food intake as needed.
- Make sure farm animals have the essentials and, if needed, move them to a sheltered area.
Key Tips for Plants
- Cover them using non-plastic covers to lock in moisture
- Given the cold temperature last throughout the day, you may want to keep them covered consistently
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing, but a few preventive steps can save you from expensive repairs.
- Insulate exterior pipes, spigots and hose bibs using store-bought covers or towels.
- Allow one faucet in your home to run at a trickle overnight—this keeps water moving and reduces the risk of freezing.
- Open cabinet doors beneath sinks to allow warm air from your home to circulate around pipes, especially if they’re on an exterior wall.
Taking these simple precautions now will save you stress—and potentially costly repairs—later.