A powerful Arctic blast has swept across the central U.S., bringing dangerously cold temperatures to millions. On Thursday, the freezing air reached its peak, spreading from Montana down to Texas and as far east as northern Florida and the Southeast. In total, around 230 million people are experiencing temperatures below freezing.
Life-Threatening Cold Across Many States
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Cold Warnings and Weather Advisories for large parts of the country. Meteorologist Britta Merwin explained just how harsh the conditions are:
“Most of the country is experiencing much colder temperatures than normal. The cold, combined with strong winds, drains your energy. It makes you not even want to get out of bed.”
In Glasgow, Montana, wind chills dropped to a shocking -51°F on Thursday morning. Cities such as Kansas City, Omaha, Des Moines, and Minneapolis also felt dangerously low wind chills, dropping below -20°F.
Record-Breaking Cold in Southern States
Many cities in the southern U.S. are seeing their coldest temperatures in years. Kansas City, Wichita, Oklahoma City, and Dallas reported some of their lowest “real feel” temperatures since the historic 2021 Arctic outbreak.
This extreme cold has caused major problems, including frozen and burst water pipes. In Detroit, a water main break flooded a neighborhood, making conditions even worse.
Cold Air Reaches the Gulf Coast
The Arctic air has even reached places that rarely experience such low temperatures. On Thursday morning, temperatures along the Gulf Coast and South Texas dropped into the 20s. Weather experts predict that many cities in the region will set new record-low temperatures on Friday morning.
Cities at risk of breaking records include Memphis, Birmingham, Macon, and Charleston. The bitter cold will continue to affect the Southeast before temperatures begin to rise.
When Will It Warm Up?
The freezing conditions are expected to last through Friday. However, by Saturday, temperatures will start to improve. By Sunday, a significant warm-up is expected, bringing some relief from the extreme cold.
For now, officials are urging people to stay indoors as much as possible, dress in warm layers, and take precautions to protect their homes from frozen pipes.
