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Arctic Blast Set to Freeze U.S. This Weekend

1/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A frigid Arctic air mass is poised to sweep across the U.S. this weekend, plunging temperatures to a bone-chilling 15-30 degrees below normal. The Northeast and parts of the South could face single-digit lows, with wind chills dipping into dangerous sub-zero territory. Snow and ice are also expected, especially along the coasts and around the Great Lakes.

History

Historical Context

A severe Arctic air mass is set to hit the U.S., bringing temperatures 15-30 degrees below normal. This phenomenon echoes past extreme cold events, such as the polar vortex impacts in 2014 and 2015, where similar conditions caused record lows and widespread disruption. Climate change may exacerbate these events by weakening the jet stream, allowing Arctic air to penetrate further south.

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Story summary

A frigid Arctic air mass is poised to sweep across the U.S. this weekend, plunging temperatures to a bone-chilling 15-30 degrees below normal. The Northeast and parts of the South could face single-digit lows, with wind chills dipping into dangerous sub-zero territory. Snow and ice are also expected, especially along the coasts and around the Great Lakes.

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