Austin Area Braces For 28-Degree Weather Monday Night

AUSTIN, TX — The coldest night of the season is expected Monday night with a low temperature expected to dip well below freezing point.

According to the National Weather Service, the low will be 28 degrees on Monday night. A north-northwest wind will be barely felt, blowing between five and ten miles per hour.

Tuesday night is expected to be chilly too, but not as much. The day will be sunny, and weather officials predict a high near 61 degrees. By nightfall, the low is expected to dip to 44 degrees, according to the forecast.

Wednesday will usher in a 30 percent chance of showers mostly after 7 a.m., according to meteorologists. Wind gusts will strengthen, blowing as fast as 20 miles per hour. The low come nightfall will be around 37 degrees, meteorologists predict.

The high on Thursday is predicted to reach no higher than 54 degrees, weather officials predict, and the low will be close to freezing at 34 degrees.

The same low temperature is expected on Friday night. During the day, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 56 degrees.

The National Weather Service offers tips on preparing for cold weather:

"The way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to plan for extreme cold before it arrives," weather officials wrote on the National Weather Service website. "Don't get caught unprepared."

• Check the Forecast at weather.gov or your favorite weather app, station, etc.: Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you'll know when to expect cold weather.
• Adjust your schedule. If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.
• Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
• Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.
• Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit: Make sure your car survival kit has the following:
  • Jumper cables: flares or reflective triangle are great extras.
  • Flashlights: Replace the batteries before the winter season starts and pack some extras.
  • First Aid Kit: Also check your purse of bag for essential medications.
  • Baby, special needs gear: If you have a baby or family member with special needs, pack diapers and any special formula or food.
  • Food: Stock non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, dry cereal and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars.
  • Water: Have at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days.
  • Basic toolkit: Pliers, wrench, screwdriver.
  • Pet supplies: Food and water.
  • Radio: Battery or hand cranked.
  • Cat litter or sand: For better tire traction.
  • Shovel: To dig out snow.
  • Ice scraper: Even if you usually park in a garage, have one in the car.
  • Clothes: Make sure you dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold.
  • Warmers: Pack extra for body, hands, feet.
  • Blankets or sleeping bags: If you get stranded in traffic on a lonely road, you'll be glad to have it.
  • Charged Cell Phone: Keep a spare charger in your car as well.