If you think it’s chilly out right now, just wait for tonight; low temperatures are expected to hit the 20s for most of the state, with lows in the low 30s near the coast.
National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Ricks says it’s unusual for a freeze this hard to hit this early in November.
“In some places, we will probably be breaking some daily records for certain, but I’m not certain if it will break any November all-time records,” says Ricks.
Freeze warnings are in effect from the Arkansas line down to Baton Rouge.
The good news is at least the hard freeze is not expected to stay for long. Ricks says temperatures will be out of the 20s by tomorrow afternoon.
“It only looks like a one night deal, we will be warming up statewide pretty significantly, some 15 to 20 degrees warmer tomorrow night,” says Ricks.
The high wind gusts much of the state is experiencing are also expected to die down by this afternoon.
State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the freeze means heaters across the state will be turning on tonight, so make sure you check your smoke detector or go get one before night falls.
“That’s really a call to action right now, it’s the only way that you are going to wake up safely and get out of your home in the event of a suspicious unknown fire in your home,” says Browning.
Browning says his office offers Operation Save A Life smoke detectors for those in need, but it may take a few days to receive your device.
Once you check your smoke alarm, Browning recommends plotting an escape route out of your home and practicing it with your family.
“What that is is two ways out of your home, the front door and back door like we normally use, but in the event that your normal route is blocked by fire or smoke, an alternate means,” says Browning.
Browning also recommends following space heater safety guidelines for those using them, such as keeping it five feet away from any combustibles.
