The cold air is set to make a forceful comeback across a large part of the country this week, bringing with it bitterly cold temperatures. Residents from the northern Plains all the way down to the Gulf Coast will feel the chill from early to midweek, with some areas facing dangerously low temperatures.
While many may find the persistent cold weather to be a nuisance, there could be more serious consequences for farmers, businesses, and energy providers. The cold snap is expected to have wide-ranging impacts on daily life and the economy, including strained power grids due to higher heating demands, school closures, health issues, and AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures plunging as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Throughout the week, the East Coast will see numerous records challenged as the cold sets in. Record-low temperatures are likely to be threatened from Monday to Wednesday, with some areas potentially breaking previous records.
The coldest air is forecast to arrive by Monday and Monday night in parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Daytime temperatures may not rise above zero in these regions, with overnight lows plummeting into the negative 20s or 30s.
Cities like Minneapolis are expected to endure subzero temperatures from Saturday night through Monday morning, straining energy resources as residents try to stay warm.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, the cold air will move eastward, with places like Philadelphia experiencing daytime temperatures in the upper teens. Breezy conditions are expected to persist over the weekend from the Midwest to the Ohio Valley, with strong winds likely in parts of the North Central states by midweek.
The combination of cold temperatures and strong winds can bring AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures to dangerously low levels, posing risks of frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related illnesses. Residents are advised to take precautions when venturing outside during this frigid weather.
Individuals who work outdoors, regardless of the conditions, must take added precautions to safeguard themselves against the harsh cold expected to persist through the middle of the week. This includes professionals such as farmers, utility company workers, emergency personnel, and plow drivers. To enhance safety measures even further and access ad-free content, consider upgrading to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. By subscribing to this service, users can receive advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts that are curated by our team of expert meteorologists. These alerts are diligently monitored and analyzed around the clock to ensure that you and your loved ones stay informed and protected from potential weather-related risks.
