Colorado Springs is forecast to experience its first major cold snap of the winter as a polar vortex settles into the Pikes Peak region.

According to meteorologist Cameron Simcoe with the National Weather Service in Pueblo, temperatures this  weekend will run in the teens and single digits.

“It’s all going to suck,” Simcoe said.

“Sunday is probably going to be the really cold day for now. Monday’s going to struggle to get out of the single digits. The wind chill is going to be brutal, keeping us feeling like we’re in subzero temps for much of Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.”

Saturday’s forecast calls forthe first day in the teens with a projected high of 19 and an overnight low of minus-1 degrees. Sunday and Monday temperatures are expected to dip down to the single digits, with highs on both days around 10 degrees. Wind-chill values throughout the weekend are anticipated to dip below zero.

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According to meteorologist Alan Rose with Gazette news partner KOAA, this weekend’s cold front is part of a polar vortex — a large area of cold air mass and low pressure being pushed from both poles toward the continental United States.

“The polar vortex refers to frigid (air) from Canada and the polar regions that plunge southward into the continental U.S. This air mass will be relatively stable and dry, with the coldest air of the season so far in Colorado Springs,” Rose said.

Rose said such cold spells occur every two to three years. The last time Colorado Springs experienced this was in December 2022, when temperatures fell to minus-10 degrees and wind-chill values were minus-20 to minus-30.

Additionally, Feb. 14, 2023, saw below zero high temperatures, with a high that day of minus-1.

“Cold spells like what we expect to see … are shallow layers of extremely cold air that will cause much colder temperatures for the plains this weekend than the mountains,” Rose said.

“This might sound strange, but if you don’t want to experience this weekend’s arctic outbreak, head to the high country. On Sunday, we’ll see a high of 8 degrees in Colorado Springs, but in Breckenridge, for example, our forecast will be 27 degrees.”

Simcoe added this weekend’s polar vortex may have lingering effects into next week.

“Cold air usually likes to stick around longer than our model guidance likes to say,” Simcoe said.

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According to Ashley Franco with the Colorado Springs Fire Department, multiple warming shelters will be in place for homeless people ahead of the weekend’s cold wave.

“Springs Rescue Mission and Hope COS will open warming shelters,” Franco said.

“If unable to go to the rescue mission space first, the Sanctuary Church will be available,” at 1930 W. Colorado Ave.

Additionally, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region wants to remind pet owners to prepare for the cold and keep their pets safe.

Humane Society spokesperson Cody Costra said it’s important to keep pets indoors as much as possible throughout the weekend’s freezing conditions, and to, “know your pet’s limits,” when taking animals outdoors.

“Consider getting a sweater or coat for your pet and keep it dry. When coming back inside, make sure to wipe off your pet’s legs and stomach to get all the ice, snow and even salt off them,” Costra said.

“Cold tolerance in animals varies just like in humans. Pay attention to your pets’ tolerance based on their behavior, physical features and health.”

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Costra added that pet owners should take time to ensure their animal’s microchip and tag information is up to date, as it can be difficult for pets to find their way home in winter conditions.

“If someone suspects an animal is being neglected or is in danger due to cold weather, we encourage them to contact Animal Law Enforcement immediately,” said Jamie Norris, director of animal law enforcement.

“We receive a high number of calls when winter weather strikes, so thank you in advance for your patience. We are committed to keeping the pets in our community safe and will work as quickly as possible to help when called.”