Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) -- It`s hard to believe this past summer was the second warmest on record for the Midlands.  This is because arctic air has invaded the area and will hang around for most of the first work week for 2012.

One question that many are asking with this invasion of cold air, "Will we see snow?" The answer to that question is, "no."  The airmass over the Midlands is very dry and cannot support the moisture needed for winter weather.

Temperatures this morning have dropped into the 20s with wind chill readings in the teens and this is just day one.  Tuesday night into Wednesday morning we`ll see the coldest air with lows in the lower 20s and teens, and wind chill readings likely in the teens and single digits.

Many longtime residents know that 20 degrees in Columbia equates to colder overnight temperatures for the Northern Midlands. It's likely that Newberry, Saluda, Fairfield and Kershaw Counties could see lows in the 15 degree range.

The Southern Midlands will be the warmest spot in our forecast area. By comparison, Orangeburg, Aiken, Clarendon and Sumter Counties may reach into the scorching mid-20s for lows.

Temperatures haven't reached the teens in downtown Columbia since January of last year.  The coldest low in Columbia for this winter was recorded December 29.

This is an important time to remember your pets. Temperatures in the 30s are very dangerous for animals, but numbers in the teens and 20s can be fatal. If you have dogs or cats, it's highly recommended to bring them indoors.  Pet owners who leave their pets in dangerous conditions are subject to animal cruelty laws. 

The young, sick and elderly are especially vulnerable during these conditions as well. Local law enforcement agencies encourage residents to check on their elderly neighbors. The cold morning temperatures also pose a hazard to young children who are exposed to the elements for prolongers periods of time at local school bus stops.   

Fire officials remind residents to exercise caution while using portable heating units.   

The cold weather combined with breezy conditions during the daytime hours will pose a wildfire threat across the Midlands. Forest fuels, things like leaves and pine straw, are very dry due to lack of recent rainfall. That combined with the ability for gusty winds to quickly spread fires make this a particularly dangerous time of year for the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Residents are reminded to exercise caution with flammable materials.

For more information on this week's cold blast head over to the WACH Fox Facebook page or the SkyWACH Weather Team's Twitter page.