Janice R. Andrews
Millions of Americans are bracing for “record-breaking cold” as an arctic blast sweeps across the United States, sending temperatures plummeting to life-threatening lows. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that approximately 250 daily cold records could be tied or broken by Friday, with wind chills dipping as low as 60 degrees below zero in some regions. This extreme weather event marks the 10th time this winter that the polar vortex has pushed frigid air from the North Pole into the U.S., impacting over 32 million people across 11 states.
How Cold Is It?
The northern Plains are experiencing wind chills between 30 and 60 degrees below zero, with temperatures expected to remain dangerously low for several days. The NWS has issued extreme cold warnings, urging residents to take precautions. “Dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves, if you must go outside,” the agency advised. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes in such conditions, posing risks to humans, pets, and livestock.
Cities like Bismarck, North Dakota, have already shattered records, hitting minus 39 degrees on Tuesday, surpassing the previous record of minus 37 set in 1910. Other cities facing brutal cold include:
- Chicago: High of 12°F, low of 2°F (Tuesday)
- Des Moines, Iowa: High of 4°F, low of minus 4°F (Tuesday)
- Minneapolis: High of 2°F, low of minus 12°F (Tuesday)
- Omaha, Nebraska: High of 6°F, low of minus 13°F (Wednesday)
- Dallas: High of 33°F, low of 14°F (Wednesday)
School Closures and Safety Measures
In Texas, sub-freezing temperatures prompted some rural schools to cancel classes on Wednesday. However, major districts like Dallas and Fort Worth remained open. Authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor exposure and check on vulnerable neighbors, as the cold poses significant health risks.
Arctic Blast Follows Deadly Flooding
This deep freeze comes on the heels of deadly storms that ravaged the eastern U.S. over the weekend. Heavy rains triggered severe flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee, claiming at least 14 lives in Kentucky and two in West Virginia. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported that nearly 1,000 people were rescued from floodwaters, with mudslides blocking roads in Virginia.
Another Winter Storm on the Horizon
As the arctic blast persists, another winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and icy conditions to parts of the central and southeastern U.S. The NWS predicts 6 to 12 inches of snow in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and southern Missouri, while eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia could see 6 to 8 inches. Southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina may receive up to 8 inches or more.
Areas south of the snowfall zone, including parts of North Carolina, could experience sleet and freezing rain, leading to “significant icing” on Wednesday. However, the Northeast, including New England, is expected to remain largely unaffected by this system.
Stay Informed and Prepared
With record-breaking cold and additional winter storms on the way, staying informed and prepared is crucial. Follow updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities, and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this extreme weather event. As Governor Beshear noted, “This is a snowstorm in the middle of a natural disaster,” underscoring the compounding challenges faced by affected communities.
Stay warm, stay safe, and avoid unnecessary travel as the U.S. endures one of the coldest winters in recent memory.
