United States — A bitter cold wave has taken hold across the United States, bringing freezing temperatures and, in some areas, subzero wind chills on Thursday morning. Millions of Americans woke to record-breaking cold, as the coldest air of the season so far impacts the Midwest and the Northeast.
Meteorologists warn that approximately 10 record lows could occur Thursday morning, with 20 more likely on Friday. The extreme chill is unusual for this time of year, marking the earliest temperatures this cold since 1991 in many cities.
Record Lows and Wind Chill Readings
The Arctic cold is originating in Siberia and traveling over 5,000 miles to the U.S., funneling frigid air across the continent. Early Thursday readings include:
- Des Moines, Iowa: Feels like -13°F
- Marquette, Michigan: Feels like -9°F
- Chicago, Illinois: Wind chill expected -10°F Friday morning
- New York City, New York: Wind chill expected 12°F Friday morning
Even southern cities, including St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee, are experiencing well-below-average temperatures for this time of year.
Impact on Events and Communities
The intense cold has already affected public events. In Indiana, a major Christmas market was forced to shut down for the day. Meanwhile, thousands in New York City bundled up to brave the cold as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit Wednesday night, officially ushering in the holiday season.
Snow Squalls and Dangerous Travel
As the Arctic front moves across the Northeast, the region faces the risk of snow squalls in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and northern Pennsylvania. While these intense bursts of snow and wind rarely accumulate significantly, they can produce whiteout conditions, causing deadly pileups on roadways.
During this week’s snowstorms, state police in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont reported responding to over 150 car crashes due to icy roads and heavy snow, according to NBC Boston.
Winter Weather Advisories Across the U.S.
Light to moderate snow is expected in the central Plains and the mid-Atlantic. Winter weather advisories are in effect for multiple areas:
- Texas Panhandle into central Oklahoma: 2 inches of snow and sleet through Thursday afternoon
- Northern North Carolina and central Virginia: 2-4 inches of snow Thursday night into Friday
The Rockies are also facing dangerous travel conditions, with heavy ice and snow. Officials reported more than 50 cars sliding off highways in Colorado on Wednesday. At Denver International Airport, over 600 flights were delayed or canceled due to winter weather.
Forecast Outlook
Meteorologists say rapid warming is unlikely, with colder-than-average temperatures expected to persist into the weekend. By next week, the western U.S. may see higher-than-average temperatures, while the eastern half of the country will remain in a cold spell with cooler-than-average conditions.
From icy roads to holiday events, winter weather is affecting communities nationwide. Share your tips, photos, or experiences in the comments below and help others prepare for these frigid conditions!
