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A powerful Arctic blast is set to bring dangerously low temperatures to parts of the United States, with wind chills potentially reaching 40 to 50 degrees below zero. The cold air, originating from Siberia, will sweep into the northern U.S. by Saturday morning (January 18) and spread across the West, Central, and eventually the South and East by Sunday (January 19).
The most extreme cold will hit the Dakotas, with Bismarck, North Dakota, experiencing below-zero temperatures and wind chills as low as 50 below zero. The National Weather Service warns that such severe wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in just 10 minutes.
The Weather Channel reports that the cold will affect the Midwest, Northeast, and South, with lows in the teens and 20s in Texas and Florida. Wind chills could make it feel even colder, especially in the Midwest, where subzero temperatures are expected.
The cold snap is expected to last into the third week of January, with the potential for renewed warnings in Southern California due to dry conditions. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and follow safety guidelines to protect against the extreme weather.
In addition to the cold, Newsweek highlights the contrasting weather extremes across the country, with Southern California facing high winds and fire risks. Weather warnings have been issued in several states, including Washington, Oregon, and New York, as authorities urge residents to prepare for the frigid conditions.