Low temperatures in the area are forecast to stay around the 30-degree mark today, a National Weather Service official said.

Meteorologist Tim Humphrey said temperatures tonight will hover around the upper 30s to near 40s in the early afternoon and will drop into the mid- to lower 30s by the evening. He said there is no chance of rain in the forecast.

Humphrey said today’s temperatures aren’t expected to be as cold as Thursday’s lows, which dipped down into the mid- to upper 20s.

He said the lows are 15 to 20 degrees below normal for this time of year, but that the cold weather is not unusual. The usual lows range around the 50s.

Humphrey said Sunday could provide some relief from the cold, with the possibility of temperatures reaching the lower 70s.

“If the low pressure tracks along the coast, a larger area will see cooler temperatures staying in the 50s,” he said. “If it goes further inland, it will get warmer.”

The state fire marshal issued a news release Thursday reminding residents to be careful when using portable heaters, especially indoors.

Some rules to follow when heating a home:

Stay at least 3 feet away from heaters; keep flammable items away from the heat source.

Don’t use an oven to heat your home.

Get chimneys cleaned and inspected each year; make sure chimneys have a spark-preventing screen.

Make sure all smoke alarms have batteries and are working.

Don’t leave portable heaters unattended; turn them off before leaving the home.(MGNonline)