Frigid temps to hang around a bit longer

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Having bottomed out at negative eight degrees Fahrenheit on Monday morning, temperatures were set to slowly get warmer, according to the National Weather Service.

Of course, “warmer” is a relative term.

In the National Weather Service forecast, temperatures are set to remain in the single digits throughout Tuesday, with wind chill values as low as negative 19 projected.

The mercury should finally rise into double digits on Wednesday with a practically balmy high of 25 degrees projected that day.

The next projected temperature above freezing in Putnam County is not forecast until Monday, Jan.22.

That’s a long haul for residents who saw temperatures in the 40s as recently as Friday.

As temperatures dropped, a rain-soaked Friday turned into snow on Saturday. While snowfall amounts were not major, temperatures continued to drop, reaching single digits around midnight Saturday and dipping below zero in the early morning hours.

This major chill remained, with temperatures remaining below zero from early Sunday morning into Monday afternoon, when the temperature at Putnam County Regional Airport finally crept back above zero around 1 p.m.

The warmup will come slowly, with a high of eight degrees predicted on Tuesday, up to 25 on Wednesday.

With the temperatures set to be around zero again Tuesday evening, Beyond Homeless Inc. is extending the hours of its warming center, originally opened on Saturday, until Wednesday.

The warming center is open to all who need it in the front part of the building at 309 E. Franklin St., Greencastle. Meals, showers and space to rest are all available.

Meanwhile, the Putnam County Highway Department was out throughout the weekend dealing with drifting and frozen roads, about 10 hours each on Saturday and Sunday. County Engineer Jim Peck and Highway Director Clint Maddox were out driving the roads to monitor their conditions.

With the possibility of another inch of snow overnight Monday, Peck said to expect crews back out Tuesday morning.

Additionally, with the cold weather not going anywhere anytime soon, residents are reminded of some tips shared by the Greencastle Police Department before the cold snap began.

• Be sure to have an alternate location or heat source in case of power outages. Be sure to follow all safety considerations when using an alternative heat source to avoid fire. If you have a question in regard to alternate heating safety, contact your local fire department for advice.

• Have extra blankets, hand/body warmers in your vehicle in case of a breakdown.

• Subzero temps/windchills can cause damage to exposed skin very quickly. Be sure to cover up face and hands if outside for extended periods.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow airflow and leave sinks dripping to avoid frozen pipes. Also store some extra water in sealed containers in case of frozen pipes.

• Make sure that all outside animals have adequate shelter and insulation in these shelters. Also periodically check water sources as these will freeze over quickly.

• Check on your elderly neighbors and make sure that they have what they need to be safe.

• Prepare in advance by getting supplies early. Don’t wait until the last minute and cause a run on supplies at the store/gas station.

• There are several blessing boxes throughout town. Feel free to leave food/hygiene/blankets in these boxes for those that are in need.

• Make sure to lock your vehicles if you are allowing them to warm up unattended. An unlocked/running vehicle is an easy target for vehicle thieves.