UPDATE: An Arctic Blast is currently sweeping across the United States, bringing with it dangerous subzero temperatures and snowfall as far south as Florida. Many major cities are experiencing record-breaking lows, with temperatures plummeting sharply since Thursday, December 1, 2023.
Meteorologists have confirmed that this severe cold front has already impacted over a dozen cities from the Midwest to the East Coast. As temperatures drop, wind chills in parts of the Northeast have reached a staggering -31 degrees in New Hampshire, while areas just south of the Washington D.C. metro area received up to three inches of snow early Friday morning.
“This week will conclude with some of the coldest air of the season as the front advances,” remarked meteorologist Renee Duff. The frigid conditions are expected to persist, with forecasts indicating two additional cold outbreaks throughout December. A second wave of Arctic air is anticipated next week, followed by a third round mid-month.
Despite slight temperature increases on Saturday and Sunday, particularly in the Northeast, the upper Midwest and Central Plains will see minimal relief, with daily highs struggling to reach the teens on Sunday. In major metropolitan areas like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, the mercury will drop again by 10 to 15 degrees on Monday, pushing temperatures to 10 to 25 degrees below average.
“The cold air will be transient,” meteorologist Tony Fracasso told The New York Times. “It’s not going to sit for days and days.” However, residents in the northern half of the U.S. should prepare for a prolonged period of below-average temperatures as December progresses.
Stay tuned for continuous updates on this developing weather situation. Prepare accordingly and stay safe as this Arctic Blast continues to impact daily life across the nation.
