Chicago, Illinois – The Midwest is entrenched in a prolonged and punishing stretch of Arctic cold that will dominate the region from late January into early February, with little indication of meaningful relief before Valentine’s Day. From the northern Plains and Upper Midwest to the Ohio Valley, persistent cold, subzero wind chills, and limited daytime warming are expected to define daily life across the heart of the country.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from January 23 through February 13 strongly favor well below-normal temperatures across the Midwest. Multiple outlook periods continue to signal repeated surges of Arctic air reinforcing the pattern, keeping the region locked in deep winter as February begins.
The harshest conditions remain focused across the Upper Midwest. Minnesota and northern Wisconsin face frequent subzero temperatures, with places like Minneapolis, Duluth, Green Bay, and the Northwoods seeing extended stretches below zero. Wind chills across open terrain and lake-influenced areas may reach dangerous levels capable of causing frostbite in minutes. Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan, will see similar conditions, with persistent cold limiting any daytime recovery.
Farther south, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio will also remain well below normal. Chicago, Milwaukee, Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Columbus may see daytime highs stuck in the teens or low 20s during the coldest stretches, with overnight lows dropping into the single digits or below zero. Gusty winds along the Great Lakes, major interstates, and open farmland will amplify exposure risks, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
The extended cold raises serious concerns for frostbite, hypothermia, frozen pipes, vehicle reliability, and power strain across the Midwest. Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure, dress in insulated layers, bring pets indoors, protect plumbing, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Drivers should carry winter emergency kits, particularly when traveling rural highways where assistance may be delayed.
While brief moderation is possible at times, longer-range signals suggest the Arctic grip across the Midwest may not loosen in a meaningful way until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories and warnings remain likely as this deep winter pattern continues.
