Record- breaking cold should end soon

Carson City's record-breaking streak of low temperatures should end tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologist Brian O'Hara said Carson City will likely set a record low this morning of +2, beating the last record of +6 set Nov. 30 in 1969. It follows a record set Monday morning of -3, which was 8 degrees lower than the record of +5 set in 1975.

O'Hara said the below-freezing temperatures will last through the weekend. He said the combination of snow on the ground and clear skies makes for cold nighttime temperatures.

Daytime highs should climb into the mid 40s by Wednesday, and snow should begin to melt. Lows will stay in the mid teens until the weekend, when they will creep up to the upper teens and low 20s. Expect a chance of snow showers both Saturday and Sunday night.

"It's a weak system," O'Hara said. "Don't expect it to be anything like the one we just had."

Carson's record low for November is -4 set Nov. 19, 1994. The all-time low for Carson City was -22 set Feb. 7, 1989.

Reno also set a record low Monday at +4. The record was +5 set in 1975. Reno's record for November was +1, set Nov. 17, 1958.

O'Hara said people should dress warmly and not allow any skin to be exposed.

"The snow is over," he said. "We just have to worry about the cold temperatures. The snow cover keeps it real cold on the surface and the lack of cloud cover allows warm air to escape into the atmosphere."

On the roads, Nevada Highway Patrol trooper Chuck Allen warned motorists to beware of melting and freezing conditions.

"The first thing they should do before they start out is make sure their windows - front, back, side and side mirrors - are free of ice and snow. Make sure they have plenty of washer fluid in their reservoir. With the melting, they will need to clean their windows more often."

The most important thing to remember, he said: Adjust your driving to the conditions.

"The most common citation we write, especially in the winter, is for driving at speeds too fast for the conditions.

"Use good sense, and always wear your seat belt."

A call to *NHP from a cell phone will connect motorists to the NHP dispatch center, where they can call for assistance if stranded or report an accident.

Kelli Du Fresne is city editor for the Nevada Appeal. Contact her at kdufresne@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1261.

Winter-driviong tips:

Motorists should make sure:

• Windows and side mirrors are clear of ice and snow

• There is plenty of washer fluid in the reservoir

• Wiper blades are in good working condition

• Tires are at least mud-and-snow rated

• To carry chains if planning to travel over mountain passes

• The gas gauge does not fall below 1Ú4 of a tank

• To stay warm if stranded until assistance arrives

• If stranded, to park vehicle well away from the travel lanes

• To pull well off to the side of the road to remove or put on tire chains

• Keep in mind if you are involved in an accident that other cars could spin out, too, and you could be in their path. Pull off the road to get out of the vehicle and assess damage.

• Allow more time to get to your destination. It will take time to make sure your windows are cleared off.

• It will take you longer to stop

• Place a blanket, old jacket, first-aid kit, water, food and other emergency items in the vehicle. The jacket comes in handy if you have to change a tire, or put chains on.

• Dial *NHP on your cell phone get a Nevada Highway Patrol dispatcher

- NHP trooper Chuck Allen