Winter Storm Alert: Midwest to face snow, ice, and heavy rain this weekend

This week brings a blast of icy Arctic air into the Eastern United States, with temperatures and a stretch of cold weather expected to drop. Experts warn millions might face dangerous winter conditions that will last well into next week.

Cold Weather to Stay for Days

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Chicago, Zachary Yack says the cold wave will linger for several days. Cities like Minneapolis are already feeling the freeze, with highs dropping from 20°F on Thursday to just 12°F by Saturday. Chicago will also face highs in the low 20s, with nighttime temperatures falling into the single digits.

Why It’s So Cold

A low-pressure system from Canada is pulling cold air south. Changes in the strong winds in the upper atmosphere are trapping the cold air over the US, keeping temperatures much colder than usual for January.

Southeast Will Get Chilled Too

Even the Southeast will not be normal, with the freeze reaching places down to the Gulf Coast and even Florida. Such freezing could also damage crops in Florida, primarily citrus, NOAA states.

Snow and Wind Chill Risks

It might snow in so many regions – including the southern Plains, Southeast, Appalachian Mountains, and Ohio Valley-but wind chills below zero in the Midwest could pose hazards to outdoor ventures. People risk frostbite instantly in these scenarios, including people working outside or being homeless.

Forecasts suggest the cold wave will last longer than next week, with much of the Eastern US trapped in a deep freeze.