By Carol Hopkins, The Oakland Press
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
One of the season’s coldest air masses will cross the state this weekend, dropping temperatures well below freezing late Friday through Sunday — and animal care advocates are warning pet owners to protect their animals
First comes a warm spell, said Dave Kook, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake. On Thursday, Nov. 21 expect temperatures in the mid to upper 40s, with the same for daytime on Friday, Nov. 22.
“Then temperatures fall through late afternoon and evening,” said Kook.
He expects minimal, if any, precipitation.
Overnight Friday into Saturday, temperatures will only reach the upper 20s.
Saturday’s high will be around 32 and Sunday’s highest temperature will be in the mid to upper 20s.
Kook called the recent temperature swings from warm to frigid a “typical fall pattern” as fall transitions into winter.
Between Nov. 11-15, temperatures rollercoastered from the 40s to the 20s. The cold made it possible for area ski resorts to open for business on Nov. 13.
TAKE CARE OF ANIMALS
The Animal Care Network has issued a warning for all pet owners in the area advising residents to keep pets indoors, as prolonged exposure to the cold can cause hypothermia and death. The following tips should help keep pets safe and warm.
If you know anyone who keeps pets outdoors, persuade them to get them inside.
Low temperatures, winds and precipitation can lead to illness, hypothermia and death.
Dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite in a matter of minutes, mainly on feet, ears and tails.
Local laws require that if dogs are kept outdoors, the owner must supply the dog with “proper” shelter.
If an animal is kept outside, use a dog house that is not oversized, since the dog needs to retain body heat.
Put a wind flap on the dog house door, and provide plenty of dry straw and access to fresh, unfrozen water. Blankets and towels only freeze when used in a dog house.
Snow is not sufficient to hydrate animals. Water bowls freeze.
Dog houses must be elevated off the ground so they don’t freeze on the bottom.
If animals must be kept outside, fill dog houses with clean dry straw and face the shelter away from wind.
Double up on food intake during cold weather. Extra weight keeps them warmer.
Feral cats need shelter and protection from the elements.
Cats who spend time outside can freeze, get lost, injured or climb into the bottom of warm cars for warmth.
Salt and other chemicals can irritate the pads of animals’ feet.
When you are cold enough to go inside, pets most likely are, too.
If you see a dog or cat in need of a help, become that animal’s advocate. Speak with the owner, and if that fails to improve the situation, contact your local animal shelter, humane society or animal control office. Contact Pam Porteous at 248-678-2756 or visit www.michigananimaladoptionnetwork.org.
SLIGHT WARMUP FOLLOWS
Monday Nov. 25 brings temperatures in the mid-30s and on Tuesday, the thermometer inches up to the upper 30s.
Weather.com is indicating cloudy, chilly days in the county around Thanksgiving.