Deep-freeze cold settles in for rest of week

The cold in this part of north-central Montana just keeps getting colder, with no break expected until Monday.

The cold already has been beating earlier forecasts, with Monday, forecasters are predicting highs in the teens with lows around zero.

And the cold is getting colder than forecasts predicted earlier in the week. National Weather Service this morning in its previous 12-hour report listed Havre as hitting minus 33 degrees fahrenheit this morning.

Monday, Weather Service predicted a low last night between minus 15 and minus 20.

But the minus 33 still didn’t set a record. Havre hit minus 37 Feb. 9, 1939 and minus 40 Feb. 10, 1939.

And the cold is sticking through the week, forecasters say. Lows tonight in the region are expected to be between minus 20 and minus 30 and the lows Thursday are expected to be right around or colder than minus 30, with wind chills hitting minus 50 or colder.

The highs Thursday are expected to be colder than 10-below-zero, and are not expected to hit warmer than zero till Sunday, with lows staying in the minus-20s Friday and in minus-teens Saturday.

By Monday, highs are expected to be in the teens and 20s by Tuesday, with lows just below zero or in the single digits above zero Monday night.

And Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning for the region through noon Friday, saying wind chills as cold as minus 55 could occur.

That could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as short a time as five minutes, the warning says, and people are urged to dress appropriately if they have to be outside. People are advised to wear layered clothing, hats, gloves and scarves or similar protection to reduce exposed skin in extreme cold temperatures.

The warning also reminds people to make sure livestock and pets have adequate shelter if outside during the extreme cold.

Tips for helping with cold weather energy bills

NorthWestern Energy sent out a release with some tips for people on how to deal with the cold weather as far as heating their residences.

The company advises people to:

• Bundle up inside rather than turning up the temperature on their thermostat. Wear a cozy sweater and warm socks. Curl up in a blanket when reading or watching TV.

• Check their hot water heater’s temperature to make sure it’s safe and efficient — 120 degrees is plenty.

• Check their refrigerator and freezer temperatures to make sure the refrigerator is set between 37 and 40 degrees F and their freezer temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees F.

• Check their heating equipment to make sure it is working properly and clean or replace the furnace filters.

• Inspect their windows and doors for air leaks — if daylight can be seen around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. People can seal up the leaks by caulking, adding weather stripping, or installing a door sweep.  NorthWestern has a how-to page at https://www.northwesternenergy.com/save-energy-money/residential-services/residential-services-montana/how-to-videos with videos on how to assist people with energy saving projects.

• Wrap their hot water tank and install pipe insulation on the first 10 feet of the hot water pipe.

• More tips are available at http://NorthWesternEnergy.com, the release said.

Cold weather safety tips

NorthWestern also warned natural gas customers that deep and blowing snow can block heating and appliance exhaust vents, which can cause equipment to malfunction, resulting in a loss of heat or possibly a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide in homes and businesses.

The release said people should look for their natural gas appliance vents – which often are on the roof – to ensure they are clear of snow.

If at any time people smell a strong and persistent odor similar to rotten eggs, they should leave their home immediately and avoid using any electric appliances such as light switches, garage door openers and phones — including a cell phone, the release said. When they are at a safe distance away, they should call NorthWestern Energy or 9-1-1 to report the concern. Stay away from the building until someone from the energy company or a first responder tells you it’s safe.

Unlike natural gas, carbon monoxide is odorless and may be present when a fuel is not burned completely due to inadequate combustion or when exhaust vents become clogged. Carbon monoxide symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and confusion.

Water lines and water mains

Havre’s Public Works Department also gave some advise and information to people earlier this week, noting that it typically receives multiple calls about frozen water lines during cold snaps. The department’s release said it is worthwhile to leave a small stream of water from an open faucet running at all times to prevent a service line freeze up.

It is also suggested that the main sewer vent pipe outlet, located on the roof of the house be checked to insure that it is free of accumulations of ice and snow caused by high humidity and freezing temperatures.

The department also said frost going deeper into the ground could cause water main breaks and disruptions of water service while the breaks are repaired.

To report a water main break, the department said in a release, people should call Public Works Department at 265-4941 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Havre Police Department at 264-4361 after hours and on weekends.