A significant arctic blast has swept across the Upper Midwest and Northeast, driving temperatures to record lows during winter’s first week. As we move into Friday, these conditions could set daily cold records in multiple cities.
Record Cold Temperatures Across the Midwest and Northeast
Notable cold events have already occurred this week. On Wednesday, Aberdeen, South Dakota, recorded a temperature of minus 18 degrees, matching its daily record low. By Thursday morning, temperatures plunged further, reaching the teens below zero in states such as Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In some areas, wind chills dipped to 20 degrees below zero, intensifying the cold.
Potential for Additional Records
The forecast indicates that Friday morning may witness another wave of record lows across both the Midwest and Northeast. Key cities expected to experience these extreme temperatures include:
- Chicago
- Pittsburgh
- New York City (JFK and LaGuardia Airports)
- Detroit
- Milwaukee
- Roanoke, Virginia
These projections are based on forecasts from the National Weather Service and anticipate record-breaking daily cold high temperatures primarily for Midwest cities.
Impact of the Arctic Air Blast
On Thursday, temperatures were forecasted to remain significantly below average, by 15 to 25 degrees in many regions. Even southern locations like Oklahoma City struggled to reach temperatures above freezing. Friday morning promises to spread the cold further south and east, with low temperatures expected to drop into the single digits and teens across the Great Lakes and New England. Major metropolitan areas, such as Boston, are bracing for similar conditions.
Snowfall Predictions
While the cold front brings dry conditions for most, light snow could appear in the extreme northern parts of the country. Snow squalls may create short bursts of intense snowfall, likely leading to hazardous whiteout conditions. Areas in the Appalachians, North Carolina, and Virginia may also experience brief periods of snow or sleet overnight into Friday.
Future Cold Waves
A second wave of cold air is set to move into the Northern Plains and upper Midwest on Saturday. Although slightly warmer, this front will still contribute to low temperatures in these areas. By Sunday, highs across the Dakotas and upper Midwest may not surpass the teens, with colder air extending south and eastward on Monday.
From Sunday to Monday, cities along the I-95 corridor, including Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, may experience a temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees. Afternoon highs in these locations might struggle to reach freezing levels, while Sunday night lows could plummet into the teens.
Looking Ahead
There is, however, a positive outlook for those enduring the cold in the Plains. Early next week is expected to bring a mild break from the frigid temperatures, with highs potentially returning to the 50s in northern states like Montana and the 60s in Denver.
Despite this temporary relief, winter remains at the forefront, leaving many regions still vulnerable to extreme cold and potential record lows in the coming days.
