WI Department of Health Services Encourages Residents to Plan Ahead for Bitter Cold Temps to Come

After rain and snow Monday, a blast of arctic air moves in
for the middle of the week. The National Weather Service says highs today will
be near 16 degrees, with lows tonight dropping into the single digits above zero.
Highs on Wednesday will be around 12 degrees, with temperatures rebounding to near
30 by Thursday, with highs in the upper 30s on Friday.


Even though this cold snap will be short-lived, the
Wisconsin Department of Health Services is asking residents to keep cold
weather safety tips in mind for longer periods of bitter cold air. Health
officials suggest dressing in layers to keep warm, limit you and your pet’s time
outdoors, and to create an emergency kit for both your home and your car.


DHS says last year 75 people died from exposure to cold across
the state. Officials say that number of deaths was 36 percent higher than average
over the past few winters, and is likely due to sustained extreme cold and
higher than average snowfall seen across the state last winter.