A sweeping wave of frigid arctic air has enveloped the United States, bringing icy wind chills spanning from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Perilous lows are affecting a vast region.
At the beginning of the week, a staggering 150 million Americans woke up to extremely cold temperatures, with wind chills plummeting to 50°F below.
Bone-chilling cold is predicted from Canada to the Gulf Coast, featuring windchill temperatures of minus 11°F in Fargo and 21°F in Dallas. In New York, the longest snowless period, lasting over 700 days, is anticipated to conclude with a few inches of snowfall overnight.
This cold spell, attributed to a polar vortex weather pattern directing Arctic air masses southward, is gradually moving eastward. Atlanta is expected to face wind chills of 5°F, while in New York, it will feel like 12°F. The northern regions remain in a deep freeze, with Fargo, North Dakota, experiencing bitter cold at 19 below zero.
Meteorologists are forecasting a temporary moderation in temperatures by the middle of the week before another Arctic blast hits later in the week.
The extreme winter weather, coupled with blizzard-like conditions and snowstorms causing traffic disruptions, has sadly resulted in the loss of five lives so far. In the Portland, Oregon area, two individuals lost their lives due to high winds toppling trees. Additionally, an avalanche claimed the life of a skier in Idaho. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased skier as Corey J. Zalewski, and thankfully, two other skiers, Landon E. Crecelius and David R. Sittser, were successfully rescued.
