Arctic Blast Sweeps Across the U.S., Bringing Record Cold and Heavy Snow
Residents across the United States, from the northern Plains to the tip of Maine, are bracing for dangerously low temperatures as tens of millions along the East Coast face heavy snow and forecasts of new snowfall.The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for parts of the central Atlantic coast through Monday morning, with alerts beginning in New england on Sunday afternoon.Heavy lake-effect snow is expected in western New York state from Monday into Wednesday morning, with possible accumulations of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) in some areas, including Oswego, along Lake Ontario. Marc Chenard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland, estimates that up to 70 million people will be under some type of winter storm warning in the coming days.
The Return of the Arctic Cold
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sunday’s snowfall was just the beginning of a chaotic week of weather. Much of the East Coast will endure some of the coldest temperatures this winter. An area from the Rocky Mountains to the Northern Plains will experience colder-than-normal weather for several days, with temperatures expected to drop to between -34 degrees Celsius (-30 degrees Fahrenheit) and -48 degrees Celsius (-55 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday. Below-zero wind chills are expected as far south as oklahoma and the Tennessee Valley.
minnesota residents have been urged to wear appropriate clothing and carry a survival kit for travel. Kristi Rollwagen, director of homeland security and emergency management for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, also advised drivers to travel with a full tank of gas and a fully charged cell phone to stay in touch with loved ones.
“It’s not something we haven’t experienced before, it’s just a good reminder that it’s cold in Minnesota,” rollwagen said.
Meanwhile, temperatures in Washington, D.C., are expected to range between -7 C and -1 C (in the 20s F range) with wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour), according to Chenard. The forecast led to the relocation of the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump inside the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.
This latest bout of cold stems from a disturbance in the polar vortex, the ring of cold air usually trapped around the North Pole. While the cold air will moderate as it moves south and east,the central and eastern United States will still experience temperatures between -10°C and -6°C (13°F to 20°F) on Monday and Tuesday. The central Atlantic coast and the northeast of the country will also see maximum temperatures in that range, with minimum temperatures of about -18 ºC (between single digits and below zero Fahrenheit) and wind chills below zero.
An Unusual Mix of Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain
Colder temperatures will spread southward early this week, where up to 30 million people starting Monday could see a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The unusual conditions are expected to extend from Texas to northern florida and the Carolinas. Impacts are expected to begin Monday night in Texas and then spread across the Gulf Coast and Southeast on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Frigid air combined with a low-pressure system over the Gulf is behind the storm, wich could bring heavy snow just south of the Interstate 20 corridor through northern Louisiana and into Mississippi. A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected near the Interstate 10 corridor from Houston to Mobile, Alabama.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Saturday before the bad weather began and urged residents to prepare and pay attention to forecasts.| Key Impacts | Details |
|——————|————-|
| Affected Areas | Northern Plains to Maine, East Coast, Gulf Coast, Southeast |
| Temperatures | -34°C to -48°C in Northern Plains, -10°C to -6°C in central/eastern U.S. |
| Snow Accumulation | 2 to 3 feet in western New York |
| Warnings | Winter storm warnings for 70 million people |
As the Arctic blast continues to sweep across the nation,residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme weather event.
far south as oklahoma and the Tennessee Valley.
minnesota residents have been urged to wear appropriate clothing and carry a survival kit for travel. Kristi Rollwagen, director of homeland security and emergency management for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, also advised drivers to travel with a full tank of gas and a fully charged cell phone to stay in touch with loved ones.
“It’s not something we haven’t experienced before, it’s just a good reminder that it’s cold in Minnesota,” rollwagen saeid.
meanwhile, temperatures in Washington, D.C., are expected to range between -7 C and -1 C (in the 20s F range) with wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour), according to Chenard. The forecast led to the relocation of the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump inside the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.
This latest bout of cold stems from a disturbance in the polar vortex, the ring of cold air usually trapped around the North Pole. While the cold air will moderate as it moves south and east,the central and eastern United States will still experience temperatures between -10°C and -6°C (13°F to 20°F) on Monday and Tuesday. The central Atlantic coast and the northeast of the contry will also see maximum temperatures in that range, with minimum temperatures of about -18 ºC (between single digits and below zero Fahrenheit) and wind chills below zero.
An Unusual mix of Snow,Sleet,and Freezing Rain
Colder temperatures will spread southward early this week,where up to 30 million people starting Monday could see a wintry mix of snow,sleet, and freezing rain. The unusual conditions are expected to extend from Texas to northern florida and the Carolinas. Impacts are expected to begin Monday night in Texas and then spread across the Gulf Coast and Southeast on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Frigid air combined with a low-pressure system over the Gulf is behind the storm, wich could bring heavy snow just south of the Interstate 20 corridor through northern Louisiana and into Mississippi. A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected near the interstate 10 corridor from Houston to Mobile, Alabama.
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Saturday before the bad weather began and urged residents to prepare and pay attention to forecasts.| Key Impacts | Details |
|——————|————-|
| Affected Areas | Northern Plains to Maine,East Coast,Gulf Coast,Southeast |
| Temperatures | -34°C to -48°C in Northern Plains,-10°C to -6°C in central/eastern U.S. |
| Snow Accumulation | 2 to 3 feet in western New York |
| Warnings | Winter storm warnings for 70 million people |
As the Arctic blast continues to sweep across the nation,residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme weather event.”/># Expert Insights: Understanding the Arctic Blast Impacting the U.S.
As the United States grapples with one of the most severe Arctic blasts in recent years, record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snowfall have disrupted daily life for millions. From the Northern Plains to the East Coast, communities are preparing for extreme winter conditions. To shed light on this weather phenomenon, we spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a climatologist specializing in polar weather systems, to better understand the science behind this Arctic blast and its far-reaching effects.
The Science Behind the Arctic Cold
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, can you explain what’s causing this intense Arctic blast sweeping across the U.S.?
Dr. Emily Carter: Certainly. This Arctic blast is the result of a disturbance in the polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air that typically circles the North Pole. When the polar vortex weakens or becomes disrupted, as it has recently, it allows frigid air to spill southward into the lower latitudes. This is why we’re seeing such extreme cold temperatures in places like the Northern Plains, where temperatures are expected to drop to -48°C (-55°F) in some areas.
Senior Editor: How unusual is this weather event?
Dr. Emily Carter: While Arctic blasts aren’t uncommon in winter, the severity and breadth of this one are notable. The polar vortex has been particularly unstable this year, likely influenced by broader climate patterns. This has allowed the cold air to penetrate much farther south than usual, affecting regions like Oklahoma and the Tennessee Valley, which don’t typically experience such extreme cold.
The Role of Lake-Effect Snow
Senior Editor: Parts of western New York are expecting up to 3 feet of snow due to lake-effect snow. Can you explain how this phenomenon works?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over a relatively warmer body of water, in this case, Lake Ontario. As the cold air picks up moisture from the lake, it rises and condenses, forming heavy snowfall downwind. western New York is particularly prone to this because of its proximity to the Great Lakes. The combination of Arctic air and the lake’s warmth creates the perfect conditions for significant snow accumulation,which we’re seeing in areas like Oswego.
Senior Editor: How does this compare to typical lake-effect snow events?
Dr. Emily Carter: This event is on the higher end of the spectrum. While lake-effect snow isn’t uncommon in this region, accumulations of 2 to 3 feet are extreme and can lead to significant disruptions. It’s important for residents to take precautions, such as staying off the roads if possible and ensuring they have enough supplies to last through the storm.
h3>The Unusual Mix of Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain
Senior Editor: further south, we’re seeing forecasts for a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. What’s causing this unusual combination?
Dr. Emily Carter: This is a result of the interaction between the frigid Arctic air and a low-pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico. As the cold air moves south,it encounters warmer,moist air from the Gulf,creating a complex mix of precipitation types. Near the Interstate 10 corridor, such as, we’re seeing a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, which can make travel extremely hazardous.
Senior Editor: How does freezing rain differ from sleet or snow?
Dr. Emily Carter: Freezing rain occurs when snowflakes melt as they fall through a warm layer of air and then refreeze upon contact with the ground or other surfaces. This creates a layer of ice that can be particularly perilous. Sleet, conversely, is formed when snowflakes partially melt and then refreeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Both can create slippery conditions,but freezing rain is especially problematic because of the ice accumulation.
Preparing for Extreme Winter Weather
Senior Editor: What advice woudl you give to residents in affected areas to stay safe during this Arctic blast?
Dr. Emily Carter: First and foremost, it’s critically important to stay informed about local forecasts and warnings. If you must travel, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone, and an emergency kit containing essentials like blankets, food, and water. At home, make sure your heating system is functioning properly and that you have choice heating sources in case of power outages. Dress in layers if you need to go outside, and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Senior Editor: Any final thoughts on this weather event?
Dr. Emily Carter: While this Arctic blast is extreme,it’s a reminder of the importance of being prepared for winter weather. Climate patterns are changing,and we’re likely to see more variability in the years ahead. Staying informed and taking proactive steps can make a big difference in staying safe during these events.
Thank you,Dr.Carter, for your insights. Stay safe, everyone, and be sure to follow local guidance as this Arctic blast continues to impact the nation.
