United States – Winter may already feel harsh across much of the eastern United States, but an incoming surge of Arctic air is expected to push this season’s cold to a new and dangerous extreme. Meteorologists warn that the cold air plunging into the Northern Plains will bring bitter temperatures, life-threatening wind chills, frozen pipes, and the potential for record-breaking lows — all while parts of the country face power-outage risks from Winter Storm Fern, according to the National Weather Service.
Northern Plains and Midwest Face the Worst Cold Yet
The Arctic air mass will first settle over the Plains and Midwest, regions that have already endured weeks of frigid conditions. This new outbreak, however, is expected to be significantly colder.
Actual low temperatures are forecast to plunge 15 to 25 degrees below zero from the Dakotas through Michigan. Wind chills will be even more severe, dropping to 35 to 45 degrees below zero in some areas.
The coldest period is expected to last from Thursday through Saturday, with cities such as Sioux City, Iowa, and Chicago experiencing wind chills near 25 degrees below zero. In northern Minnesota, International Falls could set a new record low, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees below zero.
The National Weather Service office in Duluth has described the conditions as “life-threatening cold.” Although temperatures may moderate slightly by Sunday, forecasters say the cold will remain extreme.
Deep South at Risk as Cold Arrives with Winter Storm Fern
As the Arctic air spreads southward this weekend, it will be accompanied by Winter Storm Fern, increasing the danger for states unaccustomed to prolonged cold.
Across much of the Deep South, overnight lows are expected to fall into the teens and 20s, while ice accumulation from the storm could knock out power to millions. Officials warn that this combination could leave households exposed to dangerously cold temperatures without electricity or heat.
Wind chills in cities such as Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Nashville are forecast to drop into the single digits early Sunday morning. By Monday, record low temperatures could stretch from Texas through Mississippi, with daytime highs remaining below freezing for several consecutive days.
The National Weather Service office in Dallas has issued strong warnings about the potential for widespread pipe damage, citing the prolonged duration of the cold.
Northeast to See Temperatures Far Below Average
The Arctic air will also spill eastward, bringing a sharp temperature drop across the Northeast that is expected to challenge even the region’s cold-hardened residents.
Temperatures across the Northeast are forecast to run 15 to 20 degrees below average, with the coldest conditions focused in interior areas and northern New England. Overnight lows are expected to fall below zero from upstate New York through northern Maine, with wind chills making it feel even colder.
Major cities along the I-95 corridor will see temperatures dip into the teens and single digits on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Wind chills could fall to 10 degrees below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Officials Urge Extreme Cold Precautions
Weather officials continue to urge residents nationwide to prepare for the prolonged cold by protecting exposed pipes, limiting time outdoors, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and ensuring emergency heating options are available — especially in areas where power outages are possible.
Forecasters stress that while winter cold is not unusual for January, the severity, duration, and geographic reach of this Arctic blast make it particularly dangerous.
