Chicago, IL – The National Weather Service is warning of a sharp blast of Arctic air sweeping from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic Thursday and Friday, bringing potential record-breaking cold to millions.
According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, temperatures are expected to fall below zero across parts of the upper Midwest, while lows in the single digits to low teens are forecast across the Ohio Valley and into Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey by Friday morning.
Forecasters say the coldest air will settle in over snow-covered areas, where wind chills could make conditions feel even more extreme. Cities including Des Moines, Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Pittsburgh could all challenge daily record lows on December 4 or 5.
The Weather Service urges residents to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable individuals and pets. Hypothermia and frostbite can occur within minutes in these temperatures, especially during early morning hours.
Warmer air is expected to return over the weekend, but forecasters caution that any thaw could be short-lived as another cold front may follow early next week.
