It's winter. It's cold. It snows. It's supposed to be that way. But, we have been kind of fortunate in the fact that temperatures for the most part haven't been bad, and we've really not had a lot of snowfall or major accumulations.

Good for those of us who hate winter and all that it represents, but not so good for those who love to spend time outdoors in the wintertime. But there's plenty of winter season left, so who knows what may come over the next two months.

Wind Chill Watch Coming

But we do know what's coming this week. Very cold temperatures and some windy times. The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a Winter Chill Watch beginning Thursday evening (2/2) through Saturday (2/4.)

According to the NWS Binghamton, a Winter Chill Watch means:

Conditions are favorable for wind chill temperatures to meet or exceed local wind chill warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours. Wind chill temperatures may reach or exceed -25°F.

Thursday night could see the wind chill values as low as minus one, Friday's high only around 10 degrees, Friday night's low around minus 2 with blustery winds that could top 30 mph, and Saturday's high only in the upper teens.

So, if you are going out in these conditions, and plan to spend a bit of time outdoors, the Appalachian Mountain Club suggests you have a warm down jacket or parka, a neck gaiter (a soft, fleecy fabric to wrap around the neck) long underwear, a face mask, boots warm socks, mittens (not gloves), and an extra thick hat.

Keep Your Pets Safe During Cold Weather Months

And being a pet owner, please keep your pets inside. When you let them out to do their business, whether you walk them or they have an enclosed area, put a coat on them and get them back in the house when they are done.

Highest Temperatures on Record

Waking Up To A Huge Snowstorm In The Twin Tiers