An intense arctic cold front has taken over much of the central U.S., bringing freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills to millions. As of Thursday, this extreme cold is affecting areas from Montana down to Texas and stretching east beyond the Mississippi River into northern Florida and parts of the Southeast.
Freezing Temperatures Across the Country
This brutal cold spell is impacting nearly 230 million Americans, with temperatures dropping below freezing in many regions. According to FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin, most of the country is experiencing temperatures far lower than usual. The combination of strong winds and frigid air makes it difficult to be outside for long periods.
On Thursday morning, Glasgow, Montana, recorded a wind chill of -51 degrees, creating life-threatening conditions. Major cities like Kansas City, Omaha, Des Moines, and Minneapolis also saw wind chills plummeting below -20 degrees. This kind of cold not only makes it uncomfortable to go outside but also increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Record-Breaking Cold
Daily temperature records are being shattered across several states. The southern Plains saw temperatures drop into the teens, while the central Plains and Upper Midwest dipped below zero. Kansas City, Wichita, Oklahoma City, and even Dallas experienced their coldest wind chills since the major arctic outbreak of 2021.
The severe cold is causing major issues such as frozen and burst pipes, leading to water main breaks in several cities. In Detroit, icy temperatures worsened the effects of a large water main break, flooding an entire neighborhood.
Widespread Cold Weather Alerts
The FOX Forecast Center has issued extreme cold warnings and advisories across multiple states. While arctic air in the northern U.S. is expected, this late-February cold blast is particularly harsh. The severe weather increases the risk of frostbite, even with just brief outdoor exposure.
The cold has even reached the Gulf Coast and South Texas, with morning temperatures dropping into the 20s. By Friday morning, most Gulf Coast cities could break record-low temperatures. Cities such as Memphis, Birmingham, Macon, and Charleston may also see their coldest February 21 on record.
When Will It Warm Up?
The deep freeze will continue through Friday, but temperatures will start to rise on Saturday. By Sunday, a significant warm-up is expected, bringing relief to millions. Until then, people in affected areas should take precautions by bundling up, staying indoors when possible, and protecting their homes from potential pipe damage.
