Central Iowa can expect extreme freezing temperatures this week.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jim Lee says that the cold front came through over the weekend producing an arctic air mass which will carry on throughout this week. Lee explains the high temperatures for this week won’t extend past 20 degrees and the mornings and nights will reach below zero degrees and wind chills will be in the teens below zero at times. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that people should plan accordingly with the severely cold weather. 

“Stay inside and when you do have to go out please bundle up appropriately and (let) people know where you’re going and you have a way to get help, if you need it.” 

Lee explains to limit time outside especially when the wind chill reaches the mark of ten below zero because frostbite can set in as quickly as five to 10 minutes.