An Arctic blast of frigid air is taking aim at 40 states, following closely behind a deadly winter storm currently wreaking havoc across the nation. The impending cold front is expected to settle in and linger for an extended period, posing significant risks to those unprepared for the extreme temperatures, as cautioned by the FOX Forecast Center. While the cold may not reach historic or record-breaking levels, weather models indicate that it will still present dangers for individuals venturing outside without adequate protective clothing.
The frigid conditions are forecasted to persist throughout the eastern half of the country for at least the next two weeks, prompting concerns for public safety and well-being. In Washington D.C., a snow emergency has been declared in response to heavy snowfall and crippling ice brought on by the ongoing winter storm. As a result, cold weather advisories have been issued across the Plains region, where residents are waking up to wind chills ranging from the teens in South Texas to the extreme -20s and -30s in the central and northern Plains.
With over 200 million people slated to experience temperatures on Monday that are 5-30 degrees below average, the FOX Forecast Center emphasizes the severity of the cold snap gripping the nation. Subsequently, overnight temperatures are anticipated to plummet below freezing for most regions across the country, excluding the West Coast and Florida. In states like Kansas and Missouri, the combination of subzero temperatures and newly fallen snow is expected to create hazardous conditions for residents.
The surge in natural gas prices follows projections of a cold January, as the prevailing weather pattern indicates a prolonged period of below-average temperatures east of the Rockies well into the upcoming weekend. While exceptionally cold weather may be observed in the far northern regions, experts suggest that it is unlikely to break historical records for frigidity.
Areas spanning from the central Plains through the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys into the Appalachians are anticipated to experience temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees below average, particularly in regions heavily blanketed by snow from the ongoing winter storm. The sustained cold air mass is predicted to persist in the East for the foreseeable future, varying in intensity but remaining a dominant weather feature until month-end.
The FOX Forecast Center predicts that the eastern United States is on track to experience its first colder-than-average January since 2022, potentially marking the chilliest January since either 2014 or 2011. The unwavering grip of wintry conditions underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness among residents in affected areas.
For continuous updates and real-time weather information, viewers are encouraged to access the FOX Weather App, a valuable resource for staying informed about changing weather patterns and potential hazards. As the nation braces for an extended period of bitter cold, staying informed and heeding weather advisories are essential for safeguarding against the adverse effects of the impending Arctic blast.
