As the third week of February progresses, frigid Arctic air from near the Canada border in the central and eastern United States is poised to move southward in waves, potentially bringing dangerously cold temperatures to many areas. AccuWeather meteorologists are anticipating that this bitter cold could rival the lowest temperatures experienced so far this winter. This cold snap is expected to affect cities in the central U.S., including Fargo, North Dakota; Minneapolis; Chicago; Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Oklahoma City; Dallas; and St. Louis.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg explains that the frigid air mass currently lingering over central and western Canada is set to be pulled southward by a strengthening storm moving towards the Northeast over the weekend. This will result in the cold air spreading across the Great Plains before moving eastward towards the Mississippi Valley, Appalachians, and the Atlantic coast early next week. Some areas, such as Omaha, Nebraska, may see daytime highs struggle to reach 0°F, with nighttime lows plummeting to 15 below zero.
In addition to the cold temperatures, gusty winds are expected to accompany the cold front, particularly in the central Appalachians, mid-Atlantic, and New England. Gusts could exceed 50 mph, potentially causing tree damage and power outages in some areas. The AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures, which take into account wind chill, are forecasted to be significantly lower than the actual temperature due to the strong winds and other factors.
As the cold air mass continues to move eastward and southward, another storm system is expected to bring snow to parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri on Monday night and Tuesday. This storm has the potential to bring significant snowfall to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern New England from Wednesday to Thursday.
Following this storm, another surge of Arctic air will push through Texas, setting the stage for record low temperatures across the eastern half of the country. The cold weather is expected to persist into the following week, affecting regions east of the Mississippi River.
Overall, the upcoming week is likely to bring some of the harshest winter conditions experienced this season, with plummeting temperatures and potential snowfall posing challenges across the eastern United States.
A broad expanse of deep snow may blanket the landscape, setting the stage for the coldest temperatures of the winter season to descend upon the interior Southeast through to the Northeast in the latter part of next week. As the chill spreads its icy grip, perilous conditions loom large on the horizon, with the looming threat of frostbite and hypothermia for those ill-prepared or exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. The penetrating cold poses a heightened risk of frozen pipes in areas prone to drafts or lacking adequate insulation, particularly across the Southern states.
Following the passage of the final wave of Arctic air sweeping through and departing off the Atlantic coast, a moderation in temperatures is anticipated before the month draws to a close. A shift in weather patterns expected during the final stretch of the month and into early March suggests fewer storm systems and temperatures edging closer to historical norms, which are gradually trending higher, possibly even leaning towards the milder side, as outlined by meteorologist Lundberg.
Lundberg further explained, “Taking into account the strengthening influence of the late February and March sun, many regions are likely to experience a considerable uptick in warmth following the prolonged cold spell that persisted from January through much of February.” Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson from AccuWeather added, “Despite the lingering wintry conditions, enthusiasts of skiing and other winter sports can look forward to ample snow cover on the slopes and frozen lakes even as the milder weather settles in. Moreover, the combination of seasonable temperatures and sunny skies can offer a notable mood boost for those feeling the effects of the winter doldrums.”
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