by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

U.S. natural gas consumption rose to a record high of 118 billion cubic feet per day in January, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Cold weather increased demand and reduced natural gas production, which led to high inventory withdrawals.

The EIA released Tuesday (Feb. 6) the Short-Term Energy Outlook for February that shows natural gas inventories are expected to remain above the previous five-year average, despite the high withdrawals in January. The inventories are projected to be 15% higher at the end of this winter compared to the previous five-year average because of forecasted milder weather.

U.S. natural gas production is expected to rise to 105 billion cubic feet per day in February and remain near that level for the rest of 2024. This is expected to result in prices falling from an average of $3.18 per million British thermal units in January to about $2.40 per million British thermal units in February and March.

Natural gas consumption hits high amid cold January

HARRISBURG, Ark. — When arctic air arrives, pets need extra care, said Craig Allen, Poinsett County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The National Weather Service at Little Rock said Wednesday that “by the weekend/early next week, Arctic air will surge into the region from the northwest. This will result in below to much below-average temperatures.”

Lows in Little Rock were expected to fall into the single digits by Monday night, with the forecast high on Tuesday being 27 degrees, the weather service said.

Boston the dog sits in the snow. Taken February 2021. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Kerry Rodtnick)

“Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well bedded with dry straw, shavings, blanket strips or other insulating material that traps warm air,” he said. “Check it often and change it whenever it gets wet.

“Be sure to have adequate food and water available. Heated water bowls are handy to have,” Allen said.

Owners need to limit the amount of time indoor pets are exposed to extreme temperatures. Short-haired dog breeds such as greyhounds, Dobermans, boxers, Chihuahuas and miniature breeds “shouldn’t go outside without a sweater or coat, except for short periods to relieve themselves,” Allen said.

Cats, even outdoor cats, will seek warm spots, and sometimes in dangerous ways.

“Cats left outdoors will often crawl into a warm car engine compartment to get warm,” Allen said. “The cat can be seriously injured or killed by the fan blade or fan belt the next time the car is started. Be sure to check for cats or other animals that might have sought out the warmth of your car.”

Schnauzer gets some playtime in the snow in Fayetteville. Taken Jan. 5, 2024. (U of A System Division of Agriculture still courtesy Kwan Seo).

Preparing vehicles for cold weather service can mean adding or changing antifreeze. Pets can be drawn to spilled antifreeze because of its taste, but antifreeze with ethylene glycol is toxic to pets even in very small quantities.

“Promptly clean up any spills,” he said. “Antifreeze is attractive to pets and can be deadly, even in very small amounts.”

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.