Eastern United States — A prolonged stretch of below-freezing temperatures has ended for some locations across the Eastern U.S., marking one of the longest cold runs in decades for parts of the I-95 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service Eastern Region, temperatures finally rose above freezing in several cities earlier this week, ending a cold streak that persisted for up to nine consecutive days or longer in many areas. Outside of the greater Washington, D.C. region, the stretch did not crack the top 10 longest on record, but it still ranked among the most persistent cold spells since either December 2017–January 2018 or December 1989.
Data shared by the Weather Service shows Atlantic City recorded seven straight days at or below 32 degrees, while Baltimore, Boston, Dulles, Newark, New York City (Central Park), Philadelphia, Providence, and Washington, D.C. each logged nine consecutive days below freezing. Richmond experienced a shorter three-day stretch.
Meteorologists attributed the cold spell to a persistent dip in the jet stream that allowed Arctic air to remain locked over the eastern half of the country. The pattern resulted in one of the longest sustained periods of freezing temperatures seen in many winters.
The Weather Service noted that while this recent cold streak was not record-breaking in most locations, it stood out for its duration and widespread impact across major population centers.
Officials emphasized that all values are preliminary and subject to review. As temperatures moderate, residents are advised to remain cautious of lingering impacts such as frozen pipes, residual ice, and delayed infrastructure issues following the extended freeze.
For commuters and homeowners, the end of the freeze may ease daily challenges, but lingering winter hazards could persist.
