Key Takeaways
- A winter storm is predicted to spread ice and snow over a 2,000-mile stretch of the nation from Texas to the Northeast
- Dangerously cold temperatures with wind chills as low as 38 below zero are expected in the Midwest and Northeast
- The threat of frostbite and hypothermia will grow for anyone spending time outdoors
- A major winter storm is expected to impact the southern and eastern portions of the country from Friday to Sunday
- The storm will produce heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain, leading to dangerous travel conditions and power outages
- Residents from Colorado and Wyoming to the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts are urged to stay on alert for forecast updates
Introduction to the Winter Weather
January is living up to its reputation for cold and snowy weather, with a sprawling winter storm predicted to spread a mess of ice and snow over a 2,000-mile stretch of the nation later this week. The storm is expected to impact areas from Texas to the Northeast, with forecasters warning of a major winter storm that will bring heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain. Before the storm arrives, numerous shots of cold, Arctic air and rounds of lake-effect snow will continue to impact portions of the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast states.
Dangerously Cold Temperatures
Frigid temperatures were the main story on January 20, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerously cold wind chills as low as 38 below zero in Minnesota. This could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The cold air mass will remain in place from the Midwest to the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, with highs in the teens and 20s that are 15 to 25 degrees below average. In the South, freezing to near-freezing temperatures have prompted freeze warnings from southern Georgia into central Florida for Tuesday night. As the cold lingers and even strengthens as the week progresses, the threat of frostbite and hypothermia will grow for anyone spending time outdoors.
The Upcoming Winter Storm
Confidence is increasing that a major winter storm will impact much of the southern and eastern portions of the country from Friday to Sunday. The storm will produce great swaths of heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain from the southern Rockies/Plains and Mid-South starting Friday and shifting toward the East Coast through Sunday. On the southern side of the system, significant freezing rain is expected, likely resulting in dangerous travel conditions and power outages. Exactly where this storm sets up and tracks will determine where the snow and ice will be, and residents from Colorado and Wyoming to the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts are urged to stay on alert for forecast updates.
Regional Weather Variations
While the eastern United States is bracing for cold and snowy weather, the West is experiencing above-average temperatures. In many areas, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City, high temperatures will run 5 to 10 degrees above average for mid-January. In some locations, such as Los Angeles, temperatures will reach the 70s, or 5 to 10 degrees above historical averages. In Phoenix, highs will be mainly in the upper 70s to near 80 through the middle of the week, and in Las Vegas, highs will range from the mid-60s to near 70. This warm weather is a stark contrast to the cold and snowy conditions expected in the East.
Conclusion and Preparations
As the winter storm approaches, it is essential for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and prepare for the worst. The threat of frostbite and hypothermia is real, and individuals should take necessary precautions to stay safe. The National Weather Service and AccuWeather are urging residents to stay on alert for forecast updates and to plan accordingly. With the potential for significant freezing rain, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions, it is crucial for people to be prepared and take necessary steps to stay safe. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, individuals can minimize the risks associated with this winter storm and stay safe until the weather improves.
