January 21, 2026, the 21st day of 2026
Preparing for the Cold
Though we cannot prepare for all contingencies, we can prepare for what we can expect. This is true in life in general, but also in thi... View MoreJanuary 21, 2026, the 21st day of 2026
Preparing for the Cold
Though we cannot prepare for all contingencies, we can prepare for what we can expect. This is true in life in general, but also in things that are a good possibility of coming to pass.
They are predicting brutal cold temps for late Thursday night through Saturday, with Friday being the worst.
It is not supposed to be as bad as some years, when -25°F was normal for many winter days and -35°F was not that unusual. Night temps ranging from -40°F to -45°F were also normal. Though -55°F was not normal, it did happen multiple times. Any temperature double digits below zero is not pleasant, but on those cold years it is what could be expected and we prepared for it beforehand, physically and mentally.
It is why so many woodstoves were common up here. It is almost impossible for regular heating systems to keep up with that kind of cold, no matter how well you are insulated.
But throwing another log on the fire, and keeping it going in a good woodstove and even then we often needed to crack open a window for a bit, just to let in some cooler air.
Many people only used their woodstoves for the worst of the winter, but it was a mainstay for us during those terribly cold years.
Our Winters can vary significantly year to year. Temperatures rise and fall, precipitation as well. We go through short cycles and longer ones that affect weather patterns.
Since we have been spoiled by our warmer winter cycle, and many people moved up here during that cycle, what looks to be coming on Friday is bad enough. With an expected low of around -26°F and an expected high of -12°F, means most of the day will be no where near that high.
This whole week has been pretty cold, but that day needs some extra preparation scheduleing for it. Get things ready beforehand and plan to just hunker down, if possible.
Of course farm chores have to be done morning and evening, with checks throughout the day, no matter what.
Prayers are a part of this whole process, because God is always a part of our lives.
If it is warmer or colder we are still prepared. At least today started in the single digits for a change and got to be 15°F, pretty nice. So we had a better day to get more done in preparation. Tomorrow is supposed to be colder than today, but not as cold as yesterday.
We are taking it day by day, thankful for what we have and what we have learned to help in all the various weather situations.
Stay strong! It is always easier to enjoy harsher weather when you are prepared.
NAN
