Janice R. Andrews
An arctic air mass originating in Siberia is set to send temperatures plummeting across the United States, bringing dangerously low wind chills to millions. The frigid air will begin sweeping through the Rockies, Northern Plains, and Upper Midwest this week, reaching the Deep South and Eastern Seaboard by Sunday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about extreme wind chills, with some areas expected to experience temperatures as low as -30°F or colder. Subzero wind chills will extend to the southern Plains and Ohio Valley, with residents advised to take precautions against hypothermia and frostbite. Travelers are encouraged to carry cold-weather survival kits.
When and Where Will It Hit?
“Arctic air plunges across the Rockies and Great Plains on Friday, moving into the Deep South and Great Lakes Saturday night and the Eastern Seaboard on Sunday,” the NWS reported.
Nearly 80 million Americans are forecast to experience temperatures below 0°F by next Tuesday. Meteorologist Ryan Maue highlighted the nationwide average low temperature could drop to 6°F, a stark reminder of the cold’s widespread impact.
Expected Temperatures
The arctic blast will cause temperatures to dip 10 to 20 degrees below average across much of the U.S., with specific lows including:
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: High of -2°F and low of -11°F on Sunday.
- Washington, D.C.: Highs in the low-to-mid 20s for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, one of the coldest inaugurations in decades.
- New York City: Highs in the teens by Tuesday.
- Dallas, Texas: Low of 20°F on Monday.
- Atlanta, Georgia: Low of 14°F on Tuesday.
North Dakota is expected to experience the harshest conditions, with wind chills dropping to a life-threatening -50°F on Sunday, according to the NWS office in Bismarck.
Staying Safe
The NWS Weather Prediction Center has urged Americans to prepare for the cold wave. “This poses a significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin,” they cautioned. Residents are advised to dress warmly, limit outdoor activities, and ensure access to emergency supplies during this dangerous cold spell.
Although temperatures are expected to rise to near or slightly below average by late next week, the upcoming days will bring some of the coldest conditions in years. Relief is in sight for February, with above-average temperatures forecasted.
Stay updated with local weather alerts and take necessary precautions during this Arctic outbreak.
