The National Weather Service is calling for caution next week as a strong arctic front will bring the coldest temperatures of the winter thus far.

NWS meteorologists call for a sharp drop in temperatures overnight Saturday as a cold system moves through the region. Saturday’s high of 36 degrees will turn into a high of about 5 degrees early Sunday morning, with temperatures dropping steadily throughout Sunday and remaining low through Wednesday.

“It should show 0 by the afternoon,” said NWS meteorologist Zack Taylor.

Taylor said wind chills will likely be a factor for the next few days. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour Saturday night into Sunday could cause blowing snow conditions and cause temperatures to drop into the -25- to -30-degree range.

“When you get wind chill values that low, make sure to cover up any exposed skin,” Taylor said. “Frost bite can occur in short periods, so make sure you’re wearing many layers and covering all exposed skin.”

Though the Mower County area could get a bit of snow and drizzling rain Saturday night, the next few days should be free of precipitation.

Temperatures will remain negative at the beginning of the week. Monday’s high is -1 degrees, while Tuesday’s high could be about -3 degrees. Meteorologists forecast Wednesday’s high at about 7 degrees.

Meteor spotted in region

NWS meteorologists also say a meteor was spotted in the night sky at about 5:40 p.m. north of Charles City, Iowa, Thursday night.

The meteor streaked across the sky during that time, but meteorologists don’t know whether the meteor hit the ground or burned up in Earth’s atmosphere.