A powerful blast of Arctic air is poised to blanket much of the United States with frigid temperatures starting Friday and extending into next week, affecting millions of Americans across nearly all contiguous states.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest are expected to plummet below 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius), while the central Plains and Midwest will experience temperatures in the teens. Parts of the Southern U.S. will see temperatures hover near 30 degrees on Saturday. This harsh cold front will then sweep into the East Coast and Southeast by Monday.
Meteorologist Zack Taylor from the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center warns that residents in the Southern Plains can anticipate sub-zero wind chills beginning Sunday night. This extreme chill will persist for several days, affecting much of the southern U.S., the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast as we move into early to mid-next week, he explained.
The bitterly cold conditions are attributed to a polar vortex, a phenomenon involving an upper-level jet stream that usually circulates around the North and South Poles. When this jet stream weakens and expands, it can push cold Arctic winds into the U.S. and Canada, leading to dangerously low temperatures.
The National Weather Service has also issued warnings about the life-threatening risks of hypothermia and frostbite associated with these plunging temperatures.
In light of the severe cold, President-elect Donald Trump announced that his inauguration will be held indoors on Monday, with temperatures in Washington, D.C., forecast to reach only 23 degrees. The wind chill is expected to make conditions feel even colder.
States stretching from Virginia to New England may experience significant snowfall coupled with these frigid temperatures. Cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston are at risk of receiving several inches of snow.
Additionally, a separate storm system may bring snow and ice to southern states, beginning Monday night across portions of Texas and potentially extending as far south as the Gulf Coast. Taylor cautioned, We are closely monitoring this situation, especially considering that many residents in these areas are not accustomed to winter weather and its challenges.
The upcoming days will present a significant test for preparedness and resilience across the nation as this Arctic air mass takes hold.
