Frigid Cold Spreads Over Central and Eastern U.S.

A large swath of bitter cold wind chills stretches from the southern Plains into the Northeast thanks to a strong Arctic high pressure system.

After a large winter storm system impacted two-thirds of the nation, the winter struggles refuse to slow down. Behind this low pressure system, Arctic high pressure will settle in over the central and eastern U.S., leading to unseasonably cold temperatures. Wind chills across the southern Plains and Deep South to northern Florida and the Carolinas will primarily be in the single digits and teens. Some locations here may see wind chills in the negative single digits. The Tennessee and Ohio valleys along with the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast will see wind chills in the single digits to the negative teens! These wind chills will pose an issue for citizens still experiencing power outages associated with the previous winter storm.

Various cold hazards have been posted across the southern Plains, Deep South, Southeast, the Lower Midwest, Appalachia, and the Mid-Atlantic, including widespread Extreme Cold Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories. There are also Freeze Watches and Warnings in southern Texas, Georgia, and the northern half of Florida.

While temperatures may attempt to warm slightly, little relief is expected as this Arctic High remains stuck in place through at least this weekend. This weather pattern will lead to a continuation of frigid temperatures and wind chills.

Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on this changing weather. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage.