DES MOINES – An extreme cold warning and an extreme cold watch will go into effect for our area tomorrow.

The extreme cold warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Des Moines for most of Iowa, including central and southern Iowa, and it will be in effect from midnight tonight until noon tomorrow. This will be followed by an extreme cold watch for most of the state from noon tomorrow until noon on Saturday.

Additionally, the NWS in the Quad Cities issued an extreme cold warning for east central and southeast Iowa, as well as an extreme cold watch, for the same times tomorrow and Saturday.

According to the NWS, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30-35 below zero are expected tonight into tomorrow morning, and possibly again tomorrow night into Saturday morning. These wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

Officials advise those in the area to dress in layers, including a hat, a face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly, and do not use generators or grills inside.