What is an Arctic blast?
An Arctic blast is a sudden and intense surge of cold air from the North Pole that affects parts of the US, especially the Midwest and the Northeast. It is often associated with a piece of the polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air that swirls around the Arctic region. When the polar vortex weakens, it can split and send cold air southward, resulting in an Arctic blast. (AP Photo)
Arctic blast causes record-breaking cold weather
The Arctic blast has brought record-breaking cold weather to many states, with wind chill warnings and advisories issued for over 110 million people as of Sunday evening. (AP Photo)
National Weather Service warns of 'dangerously low temperatures'
A warning of "near-record, dangerously low temperatures and wind chills" was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), citing wind chill values below -30 degrees Fahrenheit from the Northern Rockies to northern Kansas and into Iowa. There have been wind chills as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in certain places, including Montana and the western Dakotas. (AP Photo)
Arctic blast unleashes heavy snowfall across US
Along with causing severe winds and heavy precipitation over a significant portion of the US, the Arctic blast has also interfered with transport, power supplies, and outdoor activities. With at least 7 inches of snow falling, more than 2,000 flights were cancelled, the majority of which were from Chicago. As of Friday night, about 200,000 individuals lacked electricity, with Wisconsin and Michigan suffering the most. (AP Photo)
Arctic blast expects to persist into next week
More snow, ice, and freezing rain are predicted for the South, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast as a result of the Arctic blast, which is predicted to extend into next week. The NWS has encouraged individuals to limit their time outdoors, dress in layers, and monitor for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. (AP Photo)
NWS calls Arctic blast a 'life-threatening winter weather'
Looking at the weather conditions, the National Weather Service has called the Arctic blast a "life-threatening winter weather" and urged people to stay safe and prepared. (AP Photo)
Arctic blast impacts political campaigning in Iowa
The Arctic blast has also impacted the political campaigning in Iowa, where the first-in-the-nation caucuses are scheduled for Monday. The expected high temperature on Monday in Des Moines, Iowa, is 1 degree Fahrenheit. When registered voters arrive at their caucus sites, temperatures are expected to be around negative 6 degrees Fahrenheit. (AP Photo)
Start a Conversation
Post comment