Early Winter Cold Hits Eastern U.S.

This Monday, the eastern United States faced some of the coldest air of early winter, with temperatures dipping into the single digits and wind chills making it feel even colder. As the polar vortex shifts, millions from New England down to the Gulf Coast are experiencing this dangerous arctic air.

People in the Northeast and Midwest are still reeling from a quick-moving winter storm over the weekend, which brought subzero temperatures that could freeze any leftover snow during the morning and afternoon drives.

In the Southeast, many areas woke up to cold weather warnings, with temperatures plunging into the teens due to wind chill. This comes just six days before the official start of winter on Sunday.

More than 70 million Americans found themselves under cold weather alerts on Monday, and according to the FOX Prediction Center, it may be the coldest day of the year, factoring in wind chill.

Wind chill readings across the Midwest and Northeast hovered from the single digits to the high teens on Monday morning.

In Indianapolis, the city issued its first extreme cold warning, expecting wind chill temperatures to plummet to -25 degrees. Meanwhile, Detroit has activated warming centers until Tuesday to help residents cope with the chill.

In cities like New York and Baltimore, Code Blue warming centers are open in response to extreme temperatures, aimed primarily at aiding those without homes.

Nashville felt the effects of the cold as wind chill temperatures hit the single digits, while Jackson, Mississippi, recorded similar chill in the teens.

Warming centers are also necessary in Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama, for the first part of the week.

This harsh arctic air is expected to linger through Tuesday, particularly in the northern regions, before a rapid warm-up occurs by midweek.