WEATHER ALERT DAY: Tracking another morning with single-digit temperatures

Temperatures have dropped and clouds exited as Arctic high pressure begins to settle over the Midwest for the rest of the work week, giving us some of the coolest air of the season so far.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE:

Wind chills are in the single digits, and this is still expected to be the worst of it. The National Weather Service has not extended their Wind Chill Advisory, allowing it to expire at noon today.

What's going on

Dangerously cold air has built up in northern Canada and will be able to break free towards the middle of this week. The jet stream will become almost due northerly, which this time of year will drive the edge of that cold air into Mid-Missouri.

What to expect

Highs today have reached the mid-teens, but single digit wind chills are the rule across the board. Lows fall back down into the single digits overnight with wind chills falling below zero by Friday morning. It will be dangerous to be outside with skin exposed for longer than 30 minutes.

How to prepare

Temperatures tonight will drop below freezing and won't get back above it until Saturday afternoon. With a somewhat extended stay in the cold weather, be sure to bring those pets inside, check on friends and family, and keep the pipes in mind.

If the water in your pipes freezes, it expands and takes up more room. As it expands, it can cause a rupture in the line, leading to a serious problem in your household.

When you do venture outside into these frigid conditions, be sure to layer up. More layers helps insulate your body and covering any exposed skin will go a long way in preventing frostbite.