Experts predict colder weather lasts through tonight
Forecasters predict a cold weather system moving through the area will keep things chilly through tonight, though temperatures are expected to warm up during the weekend and into next week.
Lows at 7 a.m. this morning were expected to be close to 27 degrees with a windchill of approximately 10 miles per hour, and temperatures will reach a high of only 53 today, according to Accuweather forecaster Dave Houk.
Tonight’s temperature will drop back down to about 38 degrees, though the wind will have died down by then, Houk said.
“I think (windchill) is less of a factor (tonight) and as we head into the day on Friday,” he said.
The weekend will bring Southwest Florida back to average February temperatures with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s and 80s through next week, Houk said.
As a result of the cold weather tonight, the Lee County Emergency Operations Center has announced the openings of cold weather shelters at the Red Shield Lodge, located at 2476 Edison Ave., and the Fort Myers Rescue Mission, located at 6900 Mission Lane.
Additionally, the LCEOC offers the following safety tips:
— Keep space heaters away from flammable materials, and inspect the heater and electrical chord carefully before use. Do not use extension cords.
— Check to make sure smoke detectors are working in the home.
— Do not use charcoal or gas grills in the home as they can produce carbon monoxide.
— Bring pets and potted plants indoors.
— Protect wells and outdoor plumbing from freezing.
— Check on neighbors, friends and relatives, as the elderly and children are vulnerable to colder weather.
— Stay indoors or dress warmly, in layers if possible.
— Cover outdoor plants.
Residents can cover plants with cloth or cardboard, or purchase special plant covers at businesses such as Danny Yates Landscape Nursery, located at 425 S.W. Pine Island Road.
Experts predict colder weather lasts through tonight
Forecasters predict a cold weather system moving through the area will keep things chilly through tonight, though temperatures are expected to warm up during the weekend and into next week.
Lows at 7 a.m. this morning were expected to be close to 27 degrees with a windchill of approximately 10 miles per hour, and temperatures will reach a high of only 53 today, according to Accuweather forecaster Dave Houk.
Tonight’s temperature will drop back down to about 38 degrees, though the wind will have died down by then, Houk said.
“I think (windchill) is less of a factor (tonight) and as we head into the day on Friday,” he said.
The weekend will bring Southwest Florida back to average February temperatures with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s and 80s through next week, Houk said.
As a result of the cold weather tonight, the Lee County Emergency Operations Center has announced the openings of cold weather shelters at the Red Shield Lodge, located at 2476 Edison Ave., and the Fort Myers Rescue Mission, located at 6900 Mission Lane.
Additionally, the LCEOC offers the following safety tips:
— Keep space heaters away from flammable materials, and inspect the heater and electrical chord carefully before use. Do not use extension cords.
— Check to make sure smoke detectors are working in the home.
— Do not use charcoal or gas grills in the home as they can produce carbon monoxide.
— Bring pets and potted plants indoors.
— Protect wells and outdoor plumbing from freezing.
— Check on neighbors, friends and relatives, as the elderly and children are vulnerable to colder weather.
— Stay indoors or dress warmly, in layers if possible.
— Cover outdoor plants.
Residents can cover plants with cloth or cardboard, or purchase special plant covers at businesses such as Danny Yates Landscape Nursery, located at 425 S.W. Pine Island Road.
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