NEW YORK – This winter, the Northeast is bracing itself for a harsh arctic spell. Dangerous conditions are forecasted throughout the week, with temperatures in certain areas plunging towards -25 degrees. The wind chill adds to the threat, making it feel even colder.
Strong northwesterly winds are expected to bring in icy air along with heavy rain, impacting major cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is closely observing the situation, and there’s a possibility of issuing an extreme cold warning for the region.
According to the NWS, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in just minutes, and prolonged exposure in these frigid conditions can be fatal.
A cold front is set to sweep through northeastern New England, forecasted to reach Interstate 95 by Saturday morning, with gusts hitting up to 30 mph.
Weather fronts are moving quickly. On Friday, residents faced whiteout conditions that made driving quite challenging.
The stronger the clipper system is as it moves away from the shore, the more severe the winds will be, as cold air rushes in to fill the void left behind.
By Sunday morning, temperatures are anticipated to drop further, with wind chills possibly reaching -10 degrees for millions in urban areas like Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
The interior regions, including the New York metropolitan area, could see even lower temperatures, with Albany possibly dipping to -23 degrees.
On game day, temperatures are expected to hold steady as New England fans head out to watch the big football match.
The dangerously cold weather is likely to persist into Monday but should start to ease by midweek.
This winter’s arctic air has forced many people indoors, leaving behind frozen snow from January’s severe storms.
Residents and meteorologists alike are struggling to find the right words to describe the freezing conditions gripping the Northeast this season.
On a brighter note, significant changes in the weather patterns are expected to bring some relief later this month, as alterations in the jet stream may shield the East from the more severe effects of the polar vortex.
