Frigid Cold – Jan. 5, 1968

For many years, it seems that the really cold winter weather didn’t kick in until mid-January. However, we’ve already experienced a lot of single digit temperatures so far this winter – and it’s only the first week of the New Year.

Oh well, at least we’re getting use to it sooner. I’ve already had to buy myself a new parka (the last parka I purchased was back in the early 1980s from Cane’s Surplus for twelve bucks) and some winter boots.

Anyway, fifty years ago, winter was off to a similar chilly start.

An article on the front page of the Lorain Journal on January 5, 1968 told the story. It noted, “The frigid air out of western Canada that dropped temperatures in the area to zero last night and early today is expected to remain a factor locally for the next several days."

The photo and caption at right accompanied the article.

“However, tonight won’t be quite as cold with temperatures between five and 10 degrees predicted along with occasional snow flurries,” the article stated.

“Tomorrow the high is expected to reach only the mid-teens.

“Residents elsewhere experienced the same shivering blasts as winter struck hard with subzero cold from Montana to Maine. The mercury dropped near zero as far south as Kentucky and Tennessee.

“The U.S. Weather Bureau reported the coldest spots in Ohio were recored at Marion with a seven-degree below zero reading at 7 a.m. and the waterworks at Lima registering the same low level."