Photo by Hernán Piñera
A cold winter blast with low temperatures and wind chills is moving across much of the U.S., following initial snow showers. The bitter cold is expected from Friday through the weekend, with below-zero lows and single-digit highs in many areas.
Expect snow, icy and slick conditions, and a drop in temperature as the cold front moves in after mid-week.
Snow and ice will could coat the roads and surroundings as light snow or snow showers are expected particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. These will create slick roads for the Thursday morning commute.
Arctic air arrives via an Arctic high-pressure system that will push extremely cold air south and east starting Thursday.
Bitter cold kicks in Friday through the weekend and we’ll see well-below-average temperatures, with highs in the single digits and overnight lows dropping well below zero in many places. This combined with wind chills will bring dangerously low temps, potentially prompting cold weather advisories and warnings.
Where It’s Affecting
In the northeast and midwest people should expect snow, lake-effect snow, and severe cold.
In the northern plains/upper midwest expect extreme cold with temperatures potentially reaching -20s and -30s.
And nationwide there will be freezing temperatures forecast for much of the contiguous U.S..
What to Expect (General):
Signs of a Cold Front: Watch for sudden wind shifts, falling temperatures, and a change in cloud cover.
Prepare: Bring in pets, protect pipes, and dress in layers to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Stay updated with your local weather service for specific timing and advisories.