Bitter cold coming this week, with lows in the single digits

After a weekend of snow and icy roads, Connecticut should expect a few days of bitter cold early in the week, with Tuesday especially dangerous, according to forecasts.

Gary Lessor, chief meteorologist at the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center, said Monday should be partly sunny and 25 to 30 degrees, but a late day snow shower or flurry is possible as an Arctic front comes through the state.

That snow should clear later in the evening, with lows in the single digits and wind-chill values below zero, Lessor said.

Tuesday will be even more frigid, he said. “We’ll be looking at the mid-teens for highs with sunshine, and wind chill values around zero most of the day,” Lessor said. The temperature should be around zero on Tuesday night, with cold air spots reaching possibly 10 below zero, especially in Litchfield County.

The temperatures should rebound by Wednesday, rising to the low- to mid-30s with partly sunny skies, he said, with higher elevations such as Litchfield, Tolland and Windham counties staying in the upper 20s. Thursday and Friday should be in the 30s and partly sunny, he added.

Lessor advised preparedness and caution during the bitter days.

“Those that have oil heat, fill the oil tanks to make sure you have enough oil to get through. No exposed skin. This is the time where you wear a scarf or something to cover your face. Mittens are better than gloves,” Lessor said.

“At least minimally have half a tank of gas at all times so that doesn’t freeze. Do not leave pets outside even during the daytime. It’s just going to be too cold. If you bring your pets on walks, make them short, not long, walks. Limit your exposure to the outdoors,” he said.

For updates, visit forecast. weather.gov.