A forecast map from the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center warns that much of the central, eastern, and southern U.S. could be hit by another wave frigid Arctic air later this month.
Why It Matters
Freezing temperatures can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and senior citizens.
Winter weather may also trigger power outages and create potentially dangerous driving conditions.
What To Know
A forecast map, issued January 13 for the January 19 to 23 period, showed that most of the Lower 48 states would likely experience below-average temperatures, with a strong cold front ushering in "a dangerously cold Arctic air mass east of the Rockies."
"The highest probabilities are in the Central, Eastern, and Southern U.S., with greater than 80 percent odds over much of those regions," the NWS said.
Hazardous cold temperatures and wind chills are expected east of the Rockies, said the NWS.
Subzero temperatures may occur in the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Midwest, and interior New England, the service added. Additionally, "well-below freezing" temperatures could extend as far south as the Gulf Coast.
The map showed that the states most likely to experience hazardously low temperatures included Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
It appeared as if few states would be spared below-normal temperatures—only Alaska, California, Hawaii, and a sliver of Nevada were anticipated to see temperatures above the average.
What People Are Saying
The NWS said yesterday: "While some moderation in temperatures may occur during the middle of next week, the overall pattern is anticipated to remain favorable for additional cold air outbreaks into the Lower 48 to close the month of January."
NWS Brownsville wrote on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday: "Another Arctic Blast is expected to impact a large part of the country next weekend into the 3rd full week of January (Jan 18-24). While it's too early for specifics, confidence is increasing that some of this could reach Deep South Texas and the RGV."
Forecaster John Homenuk posted on X yesterday: "As this period draws closer, confidence continues to increase in an outbreak of arctic air and winter weather chances along the East Coast. Ensemble guidance continues to specifically focus on January 18-23, but the details will take a few more days to iron out."
What Happens Next
While the NWS said that frozen precipitation was possible, the service added that the timing, location, and intensity of any winter storms were uncertain at this time. Forecast updates are issued regularly.
The service advised people to review the NWS Winter Preparedness checklist on its official website.
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