A new wave of arctic air is expected to bring frigid temperatures across the Central and Eastern US this weekend into next week
After a brief warm-up, this cold air will dive down through the Plains and upper Midwest by Friday night. Then, it’ll spread out to the rest of the Midwest, South, and Northeast from Sunday to Tuesday.
While it might not break any records, expect temperatures to be 15 to 30 degrees below average in many areas. Some places, like Minneapolis, could see their first double-digit subzero lows of the season. Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and Pittsburgh might also dip below zero for the first time this winter.
Even along the East Coast, cities from Boston to New York and Philadelphia could see single-digit lows by Tuesday morning. The South isn’t escaping either, with lows in the teens and low 20s, and parts of the Gulf Coast might even hit freezing.
Wind chills are going to be a big concern too. Expect dangerously cold wind chills, especially in the Northern Plains and upper Midwest, where it could feel like minus 20s, 30s, or even 40s. The Northeast will also see subzero wind chills by Tuesday morning.
This January has been notable for its persistent cold, even if record lows haven’t been widespread. Most areas east of the Rockies have been below average for the first half of the month, and it looks like that trend will continue.
