By Sarah Beauchamp
A “wintery mix” coming to the county the evening of Oct. 28 has caused many events on Saturday to cancel.
A 30 to 70 percent chance of rain is predicted for Saturday, and the National Weather Services said showers are likely for the day. As an “unusually cold” air mass settles in, this will lead to a potential mix of sleet, snow and freezing rain.
Brad Ketcham, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said this could lead to dangerous travel conditions for Sunday morning. He said the first dangerous travel day seems to be the worst from people forgetting to account for extra time needed to drive more cautiously.
“If you don’t have to go out and about Sunday morning, it’s probably a good idea to just stay in,” Ketcham said.
Ketcham said the colder weather was unusual this early in the year but not unheard of. He added similar temperatures have been seen around this time the past couple years.
“It seems like we’ve had this little spell two or three years in a row where we’ve had them [colder weather],” Ketcham said.
The weather has caused several events in the county to change their plans:
- The Newton Farm and Art Market is canceled.
- The Dia de Los Muertos festival has been shortened to 4:30 p.m. and relocated to St. Mary’s in the gym located at 106 E. Eighth St. The lowrider show is postponed until next Saturday, Nov. 4, at Centennial Park.
- Plum Street Cottage rescheduled Taco Mikes for Saturday, Nov. 4.
- Newton Christian Church, located at 210 Southport Dr., has moved it’s Fall Festival indoors.
Ketcham said the colder weather would affect Halloween day, as well. He said during the day it would be good weather, but in the evening, when it’s time for trick-or-treating, it will be in the low 30s, around freezing.
“People that go out will have to bundle up a little more,” Ketcham said.
