News Summary

A fast-moving Alberta Clipper system will plunge the Miami Valley into a period of very cold weather starting today, Jan. 14, that won't offer a warm-up until Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington said this week that the expected snow will likely contribute to the uncomfortable period by reflecting sunlight back into space, pushing daytime temperatures into single digits and nighttime lows to below zero.

As outdoor workers gear up for the deep freeze, experts say it's time to keep pets indoors or provide them with heat in their quarters, insulate exposed water pipes and dress appropriately by covering exposed flesh.

The low Thursday night could be minus 6 degrees, said meteorologist John Franks of the national weather service.

Elden Eidemiller, owner of Eidemiller Insulation & Home Improvement in Troy, expects his phone to start ringing in earnest.

"They don't think of it when it's warm," he said, although proper insulation can cut up to 50 percent of heating costs in many homes.

In Centerville, Jim Bodine, owner of CJS Heating and Air, looks at it this way: In this cold "everything is a bit more urgent. The guys are geared up. Not just mentally — our stock has to be ready to go. We'll experience more after-hour stuff."

Oddly enough, at Overhead Door Co. of Greater Cincinnati, manager Charlie Hope sees business increasing for another reason — forklift drivers and other outdoor workers rushing to get back inside and away from the cold before doors open fully.

"People hit doors and don't wait for the door to open before they shoot into a garage, damaging the door," Hope said.

Take some advice from the coldest spot in the lower 48 — International Falls, Minn., population 6,000.

Shawn Mason, mayor, giggles at the cold.

"It's balmy today," she said Monday, Jan. 12, when the temperature hit 1 degree. Kids aren't kept in for recess until it's 20 below, she said.

"A hot cup of coffee and warm clothes," said Mason, preparing to suit up in her fur-lined mittens, insulated jacket, boots and cap for the drive to a city meeting. "Then, you're good to go."