MIAMI VALLEY — New Year’s Eve this year could turn out to be one of the coldest the area has seen since 1968 when temperatures dropped to minus 8 degrees, according to Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini. That is almost 50 years ago!
Temperatures are expected to drop to 3 below zero on New Year’s Eve as a quick-moving system will bring another shot of cold air and fresh snow to the Miami Valley, according to Zontini.
“The snow pack will help keep temperatures colder during the day and at night, especially when skies clear out,” Zontini said.
>>Frigid temperatures to continue into the New Year
This year is shaping up to be one of the coldest New Year’s Eves on record, even looking back to records since 1894 Zontini said.
“The coldest New Year's Eve low temperature was 8 below zero back in 1968. The Dayton-area has actually been at, or below zero only four times during that entire time frame,” Zontini said.
“The most recent ‘very’ cold night was in 1977 when we fell to zero heading into the new year. The coldest high temperature on record for New Year's Day is 6 degrees, set in 1928.”
>> Pets need protection from dangerously low temperatures, too
“This will make it one of the coldest nights we’ve seen to ring in a new year. The only time Dayton dropped below zero on New Year’s Eve were back in 1968 and 1928,” Zontini said.
On Monday, Zontini indicates temperatures are only expected to climb to 12 degrees, also one of the coldest New Year's Day forecasts.
“Stay warm and have a safe and happy New Year!”
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