Wednesday's temp may set recent low mark

According to records kept by the National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls, S.D., Wednesday night's projected low in Spencer could tie the lowest mark in town since 1996.

On Dec. 2, 1996, the temperature dropped to 27 degree below zero low to set the mark for the lowest recorded total in Spencer in the past 13 years; the same number which was forecast as Wednesday's low.

AccuWeather.com reports arctic air in the wake of today's clipper will blast over many places east of the Rockies through Friday. The frigid air will reinforce the dangerous cold over the Midwest and bring the Northeast its coldest temperatures so far this winter.

High temperatures today will remain subzero in the region today, and blustery winds will cause temperatures to dangerously plummet below -30 degrees.

The extreme cold poses a serious health risk to people, as well as pets. While frostbite can develop in only a matter of minutes, prolonged exposure to the bitter cold may result in potentially deadly hypothermia.

According to the National Weather Service forecast, temperatures will continue to remain below zero today with a high near -7, and wind chill values as low as -44. The low tonight is forecast at -17 with wind chills projected at -31.

A 20 percent chance of snow is part of Friday's weather forecast, with temperatures reaching a high of 17. The low is set at 12.

Saturday will offer a chance of snow as temps push above 30 degrees for the high. There is a 20 percent chance of snow Saturday after noon, and a slight chance in the evening.

Those high numbers will remain until at least next Tuesday, when Spencer is expected to receive sunny skies and a high near 35 degrees. Lows over that period of time area expected to be around 17.

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Spencer's Top Ten Lowest Minimum Temperatures Dating back to Jan. 1, 1996