March Coming In Like A Lion On Connecticut

CONNECTICUT — Temperatures will plummet into the teens and 20s Monday night across Connecticut and Tuesday will be bitterly cold too. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph Monday night and early Tuesday. It may feel like it is below zero in some parts of the state. Welcome to March.

Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state's Severe Cold Weather Protocol for Monday and Tuesday. A wind advisory has been issued for the entire state, with gusts of 40-50 miles per hour anticipated at times.

The protocol sets up a system for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe conditions, state officials said.

Anyone in need of shelter and transportation to shelters is urged to call 2-1-1. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lamont added in a news release.

While activated, the protocol enacts the following actions:

• The state uses a web-based system to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
• The Department of Social Services, Department of Housing, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

Here are the forecast details from the National Weather Service:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -4. Blustery, with a northwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 31. Wind chill values as low as -5. Blustery, with a northwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Tuesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 23. West wind 3 to 8 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 47. West wind 6 to 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind 6 to 14 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind around 11 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.