A predicted new round of brutally cold temperatures starting Sunday brought warnings from Kingfisher County Extension Director-Agricultural Educator Bryan Kennedy to provide additional care to outside animals.

He also suggested that residents leave a faucet or two dripping inside homes to avoid frozen water lines.

Water is vital for livestock during cold weather, Kennedy said.

“Stockmen need to get water to them even if they have to carry it from the house,” he said.

He noted that sharp weather changes often triggers early calving.

He suggested providing pregnant cows with a windbreak where they won’t deliver calves on bare ground.

It is helpful to provide a wanner nursery area for newborn calves where they can stay until they’re dry and ready to nurse, he said.

“Be sure to supply outside pets with sufficient bedding and an adequate water supply,” Kennedy advised. He suggested pet sweaters or blankets for pets that have to stay outside during extienie cold.

He noted that equipment as well as animals tend to break down with sudden weather changes, and suggested that diesel-powered engines should be housed inside or plugged in to electrical outlets during extienie cold.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm for much of Oklahoma beginning Sunday with accumulation of five inches of snow in some areas. The alert stays in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday. (See related story above.)

The local forecast calls for a high of 6 degrees on Sunday after an overnight low of minus 3 degrees.

Monday’s low is expected to be minus 12, not even accounting for windchill.

The frigid temperature forecast has caused changes in the county’s spring livestock show schedule.

Kennedy said the sheep and goat show will be held Saturday.

Goats will begin showing about 9:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by sheep.

Kennedy said the show barn will be warmed to 65 degrees ahead of time.

The cattle show has been scheduled for Feb. 23. Animals can come in at 7 a.m. that day.

The hog show will be held on Feb. 24 with the buildings open at 7 a.m. No animals will be kept overnight for any of the show.