'Coldest air we've seen in years': How cold will it get in Tuscaloosa this weekend?

The wind chill factor could dip well below zero Friday morning in the Tuscaloosa area as a bitterly cold arctic air mass sweeps across the Southeast.

After highs in the mid-50s Thursday, the National Weather Service in Birmingham expects temperatures to drop sharply overnight.

More:What is wind chill and how is it calculated?

The forecast calls for a low of 12 degrees early Friday morning and, coupled with winds of up to 30 miles per hour, WVUA meteorologist Richard Scott says the wind chill factor could make it feel like 10 degrees below zero outdoors.

Scott called this weather pattern "the coldest air we've seen in years."

"This will be the coldest stretch in December we’ve had since 1989, the coldest stretch of any winter month since 2014. We will drop below freezing Thursday night and remain below freezing until Sunday afternoon, some areas (below freezing until) Monday," Scott said.

The National Weather Service forecasts high temperatures in the 20s Friday and Saturday, with lows in the teens both nights. Sunday, which is Christmas Day, the high is expected to be above freezing, in the mid-30s, and a low around 21.

Some light rain is expected Thursday night, but the weekend is predicted to be sunny and bitterly cold.

The Tuscaloosa County Emergency Agency said this stretch of cold weather could prove dangerous or life-threatening for people and pets without adequate shelter and warmth, and could also jeopardize exposed pipes.

The city of Tuscaloosa said it is working with the county EMA and the Compassion Coalition to provide warming stations. Call 205-349-2121 or 205-349-0150 for more information. The city also advised people who experience water or sewer issues to call 205-248-5630.

James Spann, the meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, said people need to check on the elderly and those who might not have adequate heating.

"Hypothermia risk is a big concern," he said. "Alternative heat sources like space heaters need to be used safely. We always hear of disastrous home and business fires during cold waves like this. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also a concern."

People should make sure their pets and farm animals have plenty of food and water and are not overly exposed to the extreme cold, Spann said.

"Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze," he said. "Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops."

Driving conditions are expected to be clear and no snow accumulation is expected, but motorists should use caution since there could be isolated icy patches on some roads after Thursday night's rain. Spann said people who plan to drive this weekend should fill up their gas tanks.

"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," he said.

After this arctic blast, Spann said the forecast calls for a warming trend for the state, with highs reaching the 60s Dec. 30.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Arctic blast will bring 'coldest air we've seen in years," expert says