Northeast United States To Be Blasted By ‘Most Extreme Cold On Earth’ Before Christmas
Meteorologists warn that an extreme Arctic air mass is set to hit the Northeastern United States just before Christmas. Forecasts suggest this could bring some of the coldest conditions on Earth during that period, with temperatures plunging 15 to 25 degrees below average.
The cold is driven by a southward dip in the polar jet stream, allowing frigid air from northern Canada to spill across the region. Major cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia could see overnight lows in the teens or single digits Fahrenheit, with sub-zero readings likely in interior New England.
This severe cold pattern is linked to a disruption of the polar vortex. Before the freeze arrives, a winter storm is expected to move across the Midwest into the Northeast, bringing significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The combination of heavy snow and extreme cold raises serious hazards. It threatens travel disruptions during the holiday period and places high demand on power grids for heating.
Emergency officials urge residents to prepare for potential power outages, frozen pipes, and dangerous wind chills. Exposure to these conditions can cause frostbite within minutes.
This cold snap may signal a harsher-than-normal winter for the eastern U.S., influenced by larger climate patterns. Transportation authorities are monitoring closely for impacts on flights and road travel.
While conditions may ease after Christmas, forecasters warn that further intense cold outbreaks are possible throughout the winter season. The Northeast is bracing for a severe and potentially prolonged early-winter freeze.
