A burst of icy cold air originating from Siberia is expected to move southward across the Great Plains this weekend. As this frigid air mass shifts eastward, the coldest temperatures of the season are likely to impact areas from the Plains to the Midwest and much of the East, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
“This cold spell will coincide with the historically coldest period of winter,” noted AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Larson. With limited deep snow cover in many Central and Eastern states, few record-low temperatures are anticipated to be broken.
Despite the absence of widespread snow cover, conditions will feel significantly harsh for several days compared to recent winters. For instance, January temperatures in New York City have been trending below historical averages, with highs in the 20s and nighttime lows in the teens.
The upcoming cold snap is forecasted to bring temperatures in the single digits in some areas, with highs struggling to reach 20 degrees on certain days. This could potentially mark one of the coldest presidential inaugurations in history in Washington, D.C.
In Atlanta, temperatures are currently running nearly 6 degrees below historical averages for January. Highs in the 30s are expected for the first part of next week, gradually climbing towards the end of the week. Nighttime lows will hover around the 20s, a significant departure from the usual mid-30s.
As the cold air moves eastward, New England may experience temperatures dipping 2 degrees below the average mark, considered unusually cold for the region. Boston typically sees highs in the upper 30s and lows in the lower 20s in mid-January.
In Houston, temperatures may struggle to exceed 40 degrees for a couple of days, with nighttime lows in the 20s to near 30. This significant deviation from historical averages could result in frozen pipes in exposed or unheated areas.
Further north in Chicago, temperatures are expected to remain in the single digits on at least one day, with multiple nights below zero in the forecast. Meanwhile, Minneapolis may see temperatures failing to rise above zero on multiple days, with nighttime lows ranging from 10 to 15 degrees below zero.
While much of the Florida Peninsula is likely to escape the worst of the cold outbreak, freezing temperatures are anticipated in central and South Florida.
Arctic air is set to sweep through the Central states, gradually making its way over the Appalachians from this weekend into the middle of next week. This cold front will bring chilling winds that could pose a danger to those venturing outdoors for prolonged periods without adequate clothing. AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are forecasted to plummet 10-20 degrees below the actual temperature at times, heightening the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for vulnerable individuals.
The core of this cold blast, coupled with dangerously low RealFeel Temperatures, is expected to shift eastward in the coming week. As the frigid air passes over bodies of water, ice formation will increase on rivers, ponds, and lakes. However, the gradual buildup of ice may lead to thin and hazardous ice conditions for a period of time.
Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham from AccuWeather cautioned, “The frigid air may pave the way for significant ice jams in the weeks ahead, with some temperature rebounds and thaws anticipated for February. The intensity and duration of this cold snap may be unmatched for the remainder of the winter season.”
Furthermore, significant to heavy lake-effect snow is projected to persist around the Great Lakes region over the next few weeks. For the most comprehensive safety measures and an ad-free experience, individuals can access advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts by subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. These AccuWeather Alerts™ are curated by expert meteorologists who vigilantly monitor and assess hazardous weather conditions round-the-clock to ensure the safety of subscribers and their families.
