Wind chills of zero to minus-10 degrees Fahrenheit are likely late Monday night into Tuesday morning across the state, according to a special weather statement from the National Weather Service.

The statement was issued for New London, New Haven, Middlesex and Fairfield counties, and as of early Monday evening, was listed as being in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The NWS said northwest winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour, combined with low temperatures, will produce wind chills of about zero to minus-5 degrees in coastal areas and minus-5 to minus-10 degrees for interior areas.

"If you need to be outside, be prepared for the wind and cold, and dress in layers and wear a hat, heavy coat, as well as gloves or mittens," NWS advised. "Frostbite can occur in a short amount of time, so dress in layers and make sure all exposed skin is protected."

Gary Lessor, chief meteorologist with the Western Connecticut State University Connecticut Weather Center, said these kinds of wind chills are nothing unusual and happen every winter, but it's the coldest day yet for this winter.

He said for the Groton-New London area, the high temperature for Monday occurred around midnight and temperatures then began to decrease.

Pressure coming through Monday night will bring arctic air, Lessor said. The region is expected to see lows near 10 degrees with a wind chill value around 0 degrees, and probably more like 5 degrees with a wind chill of 5 below in Norwich.

Lessor said Tuesday will be sunny and cold, with high temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees and wind chill values in the afternoon around 5 degrees. Winds will be lighter Tuesday night, with lows around 5 to 10 degrees, and the temperature will be back in the 30s Wednesday.

The City of New London is operating a warming center Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Public Library of New London, at 63 Huntington St., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. After business hours, adults in need will be directed to the New London Homeless Hospitality Center (325 Huntington St.), and women and children to Covenant Shelter (42 Jay St.).

The Eastern Coordinated Access Network also runs a warming center at New London United Methodist Church, at 130 Broad St., which is open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily and is for individuals, not families.

In Waterford, the community center (24 Rope Ferry Road) is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Anyone who needs shelter can call 2-1-1, a program from the United Way of Connecticut, to find the closest location.

Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday activated the state's first severe cold weather protocol of the 2021-22 winter season, which is effect until noon Wednesday. While enacted, municipalities and state agencies coordinate with 2-1-1 and shelters to make sure people in need can get shelter, and transportation there. Lamont's office said safety measures have been enacted to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While we've had relatively mild weather so far this winter, it looks like we are about to receive our first blast of freezing cold air beginning this evening," Lamont said in a news release Monday morning. "Being outdoors in these arctic conditions for extended periods is not safe, and we must spread the word that shelters and warming centers are open all across Connecticut."

As a result of the forecast, Ledge Light and Uncas health districts have opted to cancel COVID-19 testing at the City of Groton Municipal Building and Dodd Stadium on Tuesday, and at Crystal Mall on Wednesday. 

e.moser@theday.com