The persistent and frigid air is set to make a strong comeback across a large portion of the country this week. From the northern Plains to the Gulf Coast, residents will feel a significant drop in temperatures through midweek, with some facing potentially dangerous cold conditions. While many see the ongoing cold weather as an annoyance, there are serious concerns for farmers, businesses, and energy providers due to the extreme cold.
The impact of the cold air will be far-reaching, affecting daily life and the economy. This includes strains on power grids from increased heating needs, school closures, health risks, and dangerously low AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as explained by AccuWeather Meteorologist Haley Taylor.
Record-breaking cold temperatures are expected across the East from early to midweek. Both record lows for maximum and minimum temperatures could be challenged during this time. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty notes that this cold snap coincides with the peak of winter when average temperatures are at their lowest, potentially leading to some record lows being broken.
The coldest air is expected to arrive in parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin by Monday and Monday night. Daytime temperatures may not rise above zero in these areas, with overnight temperatures dropping as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero. Cities like Minneapolis are projected to stay at or below zero for an extended period, putting pressure on energy resources as residents try to stay warm.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, the cold will spread eastward, with cities like Philadelphia seeing daytime temperatures only in the upper teens. Breezy conditions will persist into the weekend from the Midwest to the Ohio Valley, with gusty winds adding to the chill. Wind speeds could reach 30-40 mph in some areas, significantly lowering RealFeel® Temperatures and increasing the risk of cold-related illnesses.
Workers who must be outdoors, such as farmers and emergency personnel, are advised to take precautions in these harsh conditions. Frostbite can occur quickly in extreme cold, with RealFeel® Temperatures dropping to dangerous levels. It is essential to stay safe and protect against the cold if venturing outside.
As temperatures plummet, individuals across the nation are bracing themselves for the upcoming bout of freezing conditions set to linger into the middle of the week. In the quest for enhanced safety and protection against the icy grip of winter, a new solution emerges for those seeking advanced security measures without the disturbance of advertisements. By opting for Premium+ on the AccuWeather app, subscribers gain access to exclusive hyperlocal severe weather alerts that go beyond the ordinary, ensuring a heightened level of preparedness and peace of mind. Delivered by AccuWeather’s team of expert meteorologists, these alerts are the product of round-the-clock monitoring and analysis of impending weather threats, aimed at safeguarding you and your loved ones from harm.
