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ARCTIC BLAST TUMBLES TEMPERATURE RECORDS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH

February 27, 2002 — Following a strong cold front, a bitterly cold arctic air mass settled over much of the deep South breaking low temperature records for this date from south Texas to eastern Mississippi. Overnight temperatures averaged 20 degrees below normal throughout most of the southern states. Record low temperatures, coupled with strong northerly—20 to 30 mph—winds, added to the discomfort as wind chill readings plunged to single digits and below, according to NOAA's National Weather Service.

Texas was particularly hard hit with record lows as a high pressure system was centered over the central part of the state. Dallas/Fort Worth recorded a low of 18 degrees F (previous record: 21 degrees in 1934); Abilene—16 degrees (19 degrees: 1934); San Antonio—17 degrees (28 degrees: 1977) Houston—22 degrees (28 degrees: 1935); and, a new record was set as far south as Corpus Christi with 25 degrees (9 degrees below the previous low of 34 set in 1952).

Records were also broken in Oklahoma City, which reached a new low of 10 degrees (previous record: 12 degrees in 1962); Shreveport, La.—20 degrees (24 degrees: 1934) and Lake Charles, La. (24 degrees) where an 88 year old record (25 degrees) was broken. The south central Arkansas city of El Dorado recorded 15 degrees, tumbling an 82 year old record of 20 degrees—and the coldest spot in Arkansas was the small town of Gilbert with a frigid 7 degrees (previous record 13 degrees in 1947 & 1964). Eastern Mississippi also saw a new low of 22 degrees in Meridian (26 degrees: 1979).

While many people may have been lulled by the unseasonably warm temperatures preceding the cold snap, Mike Livingston, a forecaster for NOAA's National Weather Service forecast office in Fort Worth, reminds us, "The cold weather is normal for this time of year, and it's not unusual to have an arctic cold snap in February."

Late February and early March are periods of seasonal transition traditionally characterized by weather extremes. During this period, citizens may do well to remember some basic cold weather tips.

Outdoors:

• Wear warm clothing in several layers
• Wear a hat and mittens (better protection than gloves)
• Cover your mouth in extreme cold
• Cover any exposed skin surfaces to avoid frostbite
• If you do get frostbite, wrap or place affected areas next to warm skin (warm gradually)

Indoors:

• Be careful with space heaters (should be properly maintained and kept at a safe distance from furniture, walls and drapes)
• Avoid alcoholic beverages
• Exercise caution if taking prescription drugs
• Check on elderly and disabled people
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for weather updates

Pets and Plants:

• Make sure pets have proper shelter, food and water
• Avoid potential hazardous shelters (garage, storage shed)
• Water plants (moist soil helps them keep warm)
• Cover plants with old blankets or sheets (avoid plastic covering)

Additional low temperature records may be in the forecast as the cold air continues to expand eastward. A hard freeze warning is in effect Wednesday night for southeast Alabama, south central Georgia and northern Florida. A low pressure system associated with the cold front brought snow to the Midwest and into parts of New England, with Chicago and Detroit both picking up several inches. The cold comes as a shock to many residents of the eastern seaboard who have seen an unusually mild winter, and just a day ago were enjoying record high temperatures in the 60s.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's Winter Awareness

NOAA's New Wind Chill

NOAA's Weather Page

NOAA's Storm Watch

NOAA's National Weather Service

Media Contact:
Ron Trumbla, NOAA's National Weather Service Southern Region, (817) 978-4613 ext. 140

 

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