Later this week temperatures will fall across the Four States region, and the City of Joplin is publishing guidelines about when Winter Weather Warming Centers will be available this winter. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

On average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, highs during the winter in Joplin, are in the ‘40s and ‘50s. Lows are in the ‘20s and ‘30s. Although for two weeks last February, the Four States experienced highs in the ‘20s, and negative lows overnight. With that in mind, the Joplin Fire Department will present its Standard Operating Guidelines for Winter Weather Warming Centers at the Joplin City Council meeting tonight.

The plan details how it will use information produced by the National Weather Service office in Springfield, Missouri to determine whether warming centers will open. The warming centers will be available at city-owned public spaces, as well as school businesses, houses of worship, and other good neighbors throughout the community that offer their facilities as warming centers. The Joplin City Council meets tonight starting at 6 pm at City Hall. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro.