A bitter Arctic blast is sweeping across Colorado, bringing some of the coldest temperatures of the season. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning as wind chills are expected to plummet to a bone-chilling -30°F through Thursday. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to protect themselves, their homes, and their loved ones from the dangerously frigid conditions.
This level of extreme cold can turn deadly, with frostbite setting in within minutes and hypothermia becoming a major risk. The freezing temperatures will also put power grids under pressure, threaten vehicle failures, and make travel hazardous. Officials are strongly advising residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for possible power outages.
How Cold Will It Get?
The Arctic front will grip Colorado for several days, with temperatures dropping well below zero and wind chills making it feel even worse. Here’s what different regions can expect:
- Denver – Current temperature is 20°F, but with wind chills, it will feel closer to -30°F by late Tuesday night. Highs won’t get much warmer, staying below freezing for several days.
- Colorado Springs – Temperatures will hover in the low 20s, with lows dropping to 7°F, but the wind will make it feel like -25°F or colder.
- Fort Collins – Currently at 21°F, with snow expected to develop later in the week. Wind chills could bring the real feel down to -30°F overnight.
Major Risks and Dangers
This isn’t just another cold spell—this level of extreme cold can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Residents need to be aware of the biggest threats:
- Frostbite & Hypothermia – Exposed skin can freeze in just 10 minutes at these temperatures. If you’re outside too long, hypothermia can set in quickly, making it difficult for the body to stay warm.
- Power Outages – The increased demand for electricity could strain the power grid, leading to possible blackouts. Without power, keeping warm becomes even more difficult.
- Frozen Pipes & Home Damage – Water pipes can freeze and burst, leaving homes without water and causing serious damage. Homeowners should insulate pipes and let faucets drip to prevent freezing.
- Hazardous Travel Conditions – Roads could turn into ice rinks, and vehicles may struggle to start due to the extreme cold. If you become stranded, survival could become difficult in these conditions.
How to Stay Safe During This Deep Freeze
Officials are urging everyone in Colorado to prepare now and follow these safety tips:
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear multiple layers, insulated gloves, thick socks, a hat, and a scarf to protect exposed skin.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, food, water, extra batteries, and a fully charged phone in case of emergencies.
- Prepare for possible power outages. Charge your phone, gather flashlights, extra blankets, and backup heating sources, and never use a generator indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Protect pets. Bring them inside! If they must be outside, ensure they have proper shelter, fresh water (not frozen), and warm bedding.
- Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals. Make sure they have enough supplies and a warm place to stay throughout the extreme cold.
How Long Will This Arctic Blast Last?
The dangerous cold will continue through at least Thursday, with daytime highs struggling to get above freezing and overnight lows dipping well below zero. Even after the warning expires, Colorado will remain in a deep freeze for several more days, meaning residents should stay prepared.
