Record Cold Temperatures Grip the Plains, South, and East
Record cold temperatures are gripping the Plains, South, and East, bringing dangerously low wind chills and the risk of power outages. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme cold alerts as a wave of bitterly cold air sweeps across multiple regions of the United States.
Dangerously Cold Air Mass Moving In
This latest bout of frigid weather is characterized by dangerously low temperatures that pose significant health risks. Many regions are expected to experience wind chills reaching as low as 45 degrees below zero. This extreme cold can lead to frostbite in mere minutes.
Regions Affected
- Plains and Midwest: Wind chills are expected to drop to between 35-45 degrees below zero. Cities like Des Moines and Chicago will experience wind chills of approximately 20 degrees below zero. In contrast, Duluth and Fargo may face wind chills around 40-45 degrees below zero, prompting warnings of life-threatening cold.
- Deep South: Winter Storm Fern is bringing unseasonably low temperatures to the southern states. Lows are predicted to range from the teens to 20s. Power outages may occur, leaving many without heat as conditions worsen.
- Northeast: The relentless cold will move eastward, with temperatures forecasted to drop 15 to 25 degrees below average. Wind chills in parts of the interior Northeast will plummet to double digits below zero, dramatically affecting daily life.
Temperature Predictions
A breakdown of temperature expectations includes:
- Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana: Record lows may occur, with temperatures failing to reach above freezing for several days.
- Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Little Rock: Wind chills could dip into single digits below zero by Sunday or Monday morning.
- Upstate New York to Northern Maine: Expect lows below zero with significant wind chill impacts.
Safety Precautions
Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions against the cold. This includes insulating pipes, varying heating methods, and preparing for potential power outages during the storm.
The severity of this cold snap underscores the importance of monitoring local weather advisories and staying warm. Prepare accordingly to ensure safety during these record-breaking low temperatures.
