I asked Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Carrieann Marit for five things you need to know to prepare for the weekend weather.
Oak Park Ave, looking south, Kettering Staff photo by Tom Gnau
1. What does the change in temperature mean for you?
Conditions, and the way it feels outside, are often relative to our most recent weather patterns. It's why, for most, the mid-40s feel quite cold this time of year, but will feel more comfortable come March after several months with temperatures in the teens. With this in mind, compared to this week as highs were in the 60s and 70s, conditions Saturday will seem miserable at times.
2. Will children still be able to play outside?
Of course, any impactful weather change will affect those who are most vulnerable, including children and the elderly. It’s important to bundle them up to protect them from cold temperatures. Most notably, come Monday morning, when the kids are heading to the bus stop or walking to school, temperatures will be in the low-20s. This will, by far, be the coldest start for them so far this school year. If you haven’t done so already, find the hats, gloves and mittens before Monday morning.
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3. How would the cold weather impact anyone looking to set up holiday decorations this weekend?
Putting up outdoor holiday decorations will be difficult this weekend. Mainly because of the gusty winds, getting anything to stay in position will be challenging. Winds do relax a little bit at times Sunday, but it will be cold from start to finish.
Graphic by Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini
4. What does the change in temperature mean for your car?
According to AAA Public Affairs Representative Cindy Antrican, colder temperatures can affect your vehicle’s performance. To stay on the go, there are four things drivers should check before the temperatures drop below freezing this weekend:
Check Tires: For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, you could lose one pound of tire pressure. Don't forget the spare tire.
Check Battery: The average life for a battery is three to five years. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested.
Check Coolant Levels: Make sure your coolant is rated for the brutally cold winter temperatures we typically experience. AAA Tire & Auto Manager Jason Brown recommends that coolant be rated to 35 below zero.
Washer Fluid: Make sure you have winter blends in reservoir to avoid damage to the windshield washer system.
Drivers can get a free bumper-to-bumper vehicle maintenance inspection at all Miami Valley area AAA Tire & Auto stores.
5. How will colder temps impact your travel plans?
According to Marit, the answer is rather two-fold. Gusty winds that persist on Saturday will help to dry out the roads from any of the rain that falls with the front.
Also, because temperatures have been so mild leading into this event, the ground temperatures will still be well above freezing, preventing the threat for any great accumulation. As always, anyone traveling outside of the Miami Valley will want to check the forecast, because conditions will be very different in other parts of the region. You can check those forecasts with the WHIO weather app.
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