East Mississippi residents will want to bundle up Thursday before heading off to school or work as wind chill temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits.

 

The National Weather Service in Jackson is forecasting a threat of dangerous cold across the central part of the state bringing overnight temperatures dropping as low as 15 degrees, and wind chills as low as five degrees.

 

Wind chills in Meridian are expected to be around eight degrees at 6 a.m. and stay below freezing until noon on Friday.

 

“Be sure to take appropriate safety precautions and take care of neighbors, pets and plants as well,” the agency posted on social media.

 

The Salvation Army of Meridian announced it will open a warming shelter Thursday to help those without shelter get out of the cold. The shelter will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will have hot coffee and snacks available for people in need.

 

The Salvation Army of Meridian is located at 1115 25th Ave.