Arctic front to sweep through area

CLOVIS — After experiencing high temperatures that hovered in the upper 60s Friday, Curry and Roosevelt counties are expected to experience a reversal of weather fortunes Saturday evening — with the mercury plummeting to single digits.

"There will be an arctic cold front through the eastern plains of New Mexico, delivering a projected low of three degrees," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Jennifer Palucki, who noted this region most recently experienced single-digit temperatures Feb. 28, 2015, when it was 9 degrees. "This will be the case for northeast and central New Mexico, with wind chills approaching minus 10 degrees. The arctic blast won't last long, but it will remain cold Sunday, as temperatures will struggle to rise above the freezing mark. Sunday night will offer temperatures in the low teens and there will be a gradual warm up from there into early and mid-portion of next week."

Palucki offered a few tips to help residents through the chill period.

"Folks headed out Sunday morning should probably wear layers," she said. "And when the weather is very cold outside, it's good to let the cold water drip from the faucet. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing. Wrapping pipes to keep them warm is also an option."

Additionally, the American Red Cross recommends keeping thermostats set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

Moreover, officials maintain by temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, consumers may incur a higher heating bill but also prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

Meanwhile, it's recommended pet owners bring their animals inside during Saturday's night freeze, per the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, which offers like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside during extreme bouts of cold weather.

Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing conditions.