A powerful arctic storm is expected to bring record-breaking cold temperatures across many states in the United States this week. This will trigger widespread warnings of extreme cold throughout most of central America. Residents should take measures to protect themselves from dangerously cold temperatures and windchills.
What It Means
<a href="https://247newslive.com/tag/national-weather-service/”>National Weather Service (NWS), meteorologists predict that the cold temperatures could break many records in the affected areas.
Arctic Blast – Key Information
Bismarck in North Dakota, for example, has broken several records due to the current cold wave. Bismarck Airport, North Dakota recorded a temperature Monday of -30 Fahrenheit. This was higher than the old record set in 1875. This record-breaking freeze highlights the polar vortex’s severity.
Wichita in Kansas is also expecting to set a new record-low daily high for 18th February. This forecast calls for a daily high temperature of just 6 degrees. That would, if correct, break the 1938 record of 17 degree. It is possible that a historic freeze will affect daily life as well as infrastructure.
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Cold temperatures will be most intense in the Central and Southern Plains. They may also extend to parts of Gulf Coast. Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Dallas may face extreme cold that will challenge their infrastructure.
North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska are all bracing themselves for possible record temperatures in the coming week. Texas, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana will also be affected. This extreme cold is expected to extend into Alabama and Mississippi by Friday. Temperatures could drop into the teens. Residents in the affected areas should prepare themselves for possible disruptions.
The coldest temperature is predicted to occur on Thursday morning, as the “most extensive record-setting” cold will cover a wide swath of the U.S. from South Dakota up to the Gulf Coast. Orrison said that the temperatures will drop below zero north of Kansas, and wind chill will intensify this cold. It is important to be vigilant and take proper precautions because wind chill can make the cold feel even worse.
Official Recommendations and Warnings
This extreme cold alert was issued by the NWS Amarillo office in Texas. The dangerously low wind chills of 25 below zero can cause hypothermia, and frostbite to exposed skin within 30 minutes. The danger of being exposed is imminent and it’s important to take protective measures during the deep freeze.
These safety precautions were included in the extreme cold warning issued by the NWS Aberdeen, South Dakota office. Dress in layers. Include a mask, gloves and hat if going outside. As much as you can, keep pets inside. “Ensure that outdoor animals are provided with a shelter and food which is warm, dry, and not frozen. The safety of both humans and pets is at stake during extreme weather.
Look Ahead for a Gradual Warm Up
As we look ahead, the temperatures in western U.S. are expected to increase gradually starting this weekend. Dakotas may see temperatures rise above freezing. That could mean a 70-degree swing in temperature from earlier this week. Impending flooding and strain on infrastructure are among the challenges that will be posed by this thawing.
According to the NWS Climate Prediction Center, its six-to-ten-day temperature forecast for February 23-27 will be above average temperatures in a large region stretching from California to Northern Michigan. Although the threat of extreme temperatures will diminish, it is important that communities prepare themselves for a gradual transition towards milder weather and any potential impacts.