The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the entire area, effective late tonight through Saturday morning. Residents are urged to prepare for dangerously cold wind chills, with much of the region expected to experience values ranging from 5 below to 10 below zero.
A new wave of Arctic air is poised to move into the area tonight, bringing sharply colder temperatures that will dominate the forecast for today and Saturday. Temperatures today will only reach near 25 degrees. Northern winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour will add to the biting cold. Fairfield and surrounding communities received a dusting of light snow overnight and while several periods of light snow or flurries are possible through Monday, each event is expected to produce only a light dusting, minimizing impacts due to the existing snowpack.
The cold is expected to intensify on Saturday, with highs reaching only 23 degrees and wind chills potentially dropping to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower tonight into Saturday morning.
Looking ahead to next week, temperatures are projected to moderate closer to seasonal averages for late January and early February, though they will remain 10 to 15 degrees below normal. There is also the potential for another round of wintry precipitation next Tuesday into Wednesday. While more substantial accumulations are possible, confidence in that forecast remains low at this time.
Residents are advised to exercise caution, limit time outdoors, and stay tuned for further updates from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.