Janice R. Andrews
Frigid Temperatures Set to Hit the East Coast
A severe cold snap is sweeping the East Coast this weekend, bringing the coldest air of the season so far. From late Friday through Sunday, regions including the Northeast, New England, the mid-Atlantic, central Appalachians, and parts of the eastern Great Lakes will experience a significant drop in temperatures.
“This will be the coldest air we’ve seen this season,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Bob Larson. The Southeast will also feel the chill, with some areas experiencing temperatures approaching season lows.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that daytime highs could drop 15 to 20 degrees below normal in many areas. However, this arctic blast is expected to ease by mid-week, just in time for the holiday season.
‘Painful to Be Outdoors’: Wind Chill Alert
The combination of low temperatures and strong winds will create dangerous wind chill conditions. “If you’re not properly dressed, it will be painful to stay outdoors for extended periods,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines.
This is particularly true for residents from the central Appalachians to the mid-Atlantic and New England, where gusty winds from an Alberta clipper storm are expected. College football fans attending games in the Midwest this weekend should prepare for freezing temperatures and strong winds.
In Minneapolis, the nation’s coldest major city, temperatures are expected to hover in the single digits and teens with lows dipping below zero on Friday and Saturday. Miami will also feel the chill, with temperatures dropping to the mid-40s inland and 50s to 60s along the coast. While cooler, these temperatures won’t be severe enough to trigger Florida’s iconic falling-iguana alerts.
A Brief but Intense Cold Snap
While this cold blast will be intense, it’s expected to be short-lived. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a rapid warming trend across the country by mid- to late December, with temperatures rising above average.
In Minneapolis, temperatures could climb to 40 degrees by Christmas Day after dipping to near zero this weekend. Duluth, Minnesota, is expected to see a jump from 2-degree temperatures to a more mild 40 degrees on Christmas.
Warm Weather in the West
While the East faces intense cold, the West is experiencing unseasonably warm weather. Southern California and the Desert Southwest are forecast to hit record highs, with Phoenix reaching a possible 81 degrees on Wednesday.
However, the warm weather in California is also fueling concerns about wildfires. Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to increase the risk of wildfires, potentially sparking new blazes or worsening ongoing fires, AccuWeather meteorologists warned.
Tips for Surviving the Cold Snap
As temperatures plummet, experts recommend the following precautions:
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
- Limit outdoor exposure, especially during peak cold and windy periods.
- Check on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and pets, to ensure they are safe and warm.
With the cold snap gripping the East Coast, staying prepared is key to safely navigating this frigid weather before warmer temperatures return next week.
