BISMARCK, N.D. — A frigid wave of winter weather is set to affect various regions across the United States in the upcoming days, bringing extremely cold winds to the Northern Plains and unexpected snow and ice to the Gulf Coast areas.
In anticipation of the harsh cold expected on Monday in Washington, D.C., officials have decided to relocate President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
Beginning on Sunday, colder than average temperatures are forecasted to blanket a wide swath of the country stretching from the Rockies to the Northern Plains. Meteorologist Marc Chenard from the National Weather Service indicated that wind chills could plummet to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 40 degrees Celsius) or even lower in regions such as the Dakotas and northern Minnesota.
With such extreme cold, frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 10 minutes or less. Meteorologist Connor Smith emphasized the importance of wearing warm clothing—coats, hats, and gloves—and advised minimizing outdoor activities during these conditions.
This latest cold snap is a result of a disturbance in the polar vortex, a band of frigid air typically confined around the North Pole. As this cold air travels south and eastward, it is expected to moderate slightly; however, regions in the central and eastern U.S. will continue to experience cold conditions with temperatures ranging from the teens to 20s on Monday and Tuesday. Areas in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast will also see highs in the teens and 20s, with nighttime lows reaching into the single digits and below zero.
“Many parts of the country will feel the impact of this cold weather, particularly the Rockies and areas to the east,” Chenard added.
In the southern states, including Texas stretching to northern Florida and the Carolinas, a rare winter storm featuring snow, sleet, and freezing rain is predicted. Chenard noted that the effects are expected to begin in Texas Monday evening, advancing toward the Gulf Coast and Southeast by Tuesday and Wednesday.
“This storm will be relatively fast-moving but could bring significant winter weather to regions that are not accustomed to it,” he said. Coastal regions may experience sleet, freezing rain, and road ice, while areas further inland could see several inches of snow, potentially disrupting travel.
In preparation for the incoming severe weather, Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay informed about the weather forecasts.
In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, snow is projected to move in, starting from the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday and advancing towards New York City and New England. Chenard anticipated that this quick burst of heavier snowfall could result in accumulations ranging from 2 to 8 inches.
This wintry weather is typical for the region and will likely lead to snow accumulation that requires plowing. Motorists are warned of potentially hazardous travel conditions, and some airports may face operational challenges.
In light of the forecast for snow and bitter cold, officials in Baltimore have canceled the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade that was scheduled for Monday. Mayor Brandon Scott expressed that this “difficult decision” was made out of caution for the safety of participants and spectators, marking the second consecutive year the parade has been postponed due to winter conditions.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont has activated the state’s severe cold weather protocol, which will go into effect at 6 p.m. on Sunday and remain active until noon on Friday. This protocol allows for coordination between state agencies and local shelters to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to safe shelter throughout the freezing temperatures, especially during the overnight hours when temperatures are expected to drop below zero.
