Bundle Up!
Early this week, the East Coast is bracing for unusually frigid temperatures, with a freeze warning placed over New York City, Long Island, and parts of New Jersey.
A freeze watch will be in effect for New York City late Monday night through Tuesday morning, with predicted temperatures dropping to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, as noted by New York City Emergency Management.
This watch will also extend to Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as regions in southern Connecticut and northeastern New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.
These bone-chilling temperatures come as a strong polar vortex moves across the eastern United States.
According to FOX Weather meteorologist Dylan DeBruyn, this weather system is likely to push arctic air from Canada into New York starting Sunday, giving about 100 million people an early glimpse of winter.
DeBruyn mentioned that wind speeds could exceed 30 mph through Tuesday, causing wind chill to feel as cold as 25 degrees.
It’s not just the city, though. Heavy snow squalls and lake-effect snow are expected to impact western and central New York, including areas like Buffalo, Syracuse, and Watertown.
Interestingly, even Tallahassee, Florida, is set to experience similar sub-zero temperatures before New York does.
The cold front is expected to ease by Wednesday, with temperatures in New York City climbing back into the 50s. Overnight lows should return to the typical mid to upper 40s, according to DeBruyn.
It’s essential to note that frost and freezing conditions can harm crops and vegetation, signaling the end of the growing season, as warned by the NWS.
The New York City Department of Emergency Management also cautioned that pets should be kept indoors overnight, as even brief exposure to freezing temperatures can be “dangerous” for them.
Residents are advised to bring outdoor plants inside and to be cautious with unheated or drafty areas, potentially limiting water use from the most susceptible faucets to avoid frozen pipes.
Lastly, officials recommended dressing warmly and exercising caution when walking, biking, or driving due to slippery conditions and the likelihood of frost on windshields.
