Janice R. Andrews
The U.S. is gearing up for another round of extreme weather as a powerful Arctic blast, referred to as the “arctic express,” prepares to bring frigid temperatures across the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast, while Southern California braces for the return of dangerous Santa Ana winds.
Arctic Blast Grips the East
Starting January 15, a surge of Arctic air will send temperatures plunging 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average in the Eastern U.S. Wind chills as low as -30°F are expected in some areas, while freezing conditions will stretch as far south as Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia by Tuesday morning.
In northern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, residents can anticipate “feels-like” temperatures dropping to as low as -10°F to -30°F. AccuWeather forecasters are also predicting a “particularly stormy period” from January 18 to 20, with lake-effect snow and snow squalls likely to impact areas around the Great Lakes.
This frigid pattern is not expected to ease anytime soon, as another Arctic blast is forecasted for January 20 to 24, potentially driving temperatures even lower before a gradual warm-up begins in February.
Southern California Faces Dangerous Winds
On the West Coast, Southern California is bracing for the return of Santa Ana winds, known for fueling wildfires and creating hazardous conditions. Gusts are expected to reach between 60 and 100 mph starting Monday afternoon, threatening to worsen active wildfires and spark new ones.
Firefighters have made progress on the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have already burned over 40,000 acres, but containment levels remain low at 13% and 27%, respectively. The brief reprieve over the weekend is expected to end as strong winds return, heightening the risk of rapid fire spread.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) red flag warning through midweek for Los Angeles County, cautioning that extreme wind speeds and dry conditions could lead to “explosive fire growth.”
Health and Safety Concerns Mount
The East and West Coast are facing distinct but equally dangerous conditions. In the East, the Arctic chill raises concerns about hypothermia, frozen pipes, and increased heating costs, while in Southern California, air quality may deteriorate due to windblown ash and dust from wildfires. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an advisory for Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, warning of health risks from poor air quality.
A Repeat of Last Week’s Conditions
This week’s severe weather echoes last week’s challenges, when Arctic cold gripped the East, and Santa Ana winds fueled deadly wildfires in California. The recurring patterns highlight the need for increased preparedness as extreme weather events become more frequent.
What’s Ahead?
The coming days reflect a stark contrast in the weather challenges faced by different regions. While the Eastern U.S. endures another bitter Arctic blast, Southern California battles the return of relentless winds and wildfire threats.
Although a gradual warming trend is expected to arrive in late January, meteorologists warn that winter’s intensity is far from over. As these conditions unfold, residents are urged to stay updated on local weather advisories and take precautions to protect themselves and their communities.
