Map shows states facing extreme cold, record-breaking temperatures

States across the Great Lakes area and the Northeast are facing a fresh bout of Arctic air late this week and weekend, with meteorologists expecting record-breaking temperatures and “dangerous” wind chills.

In an update issued Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said the “significant” surge of Arctic air will deliver bitter cold and hazardous wind chills across the region this weekend, with wind chill values potentially plunging into the minus 30s in parts of the interior Northeast and New England. Daytime highs may struggle to climb out of the teens or single digits, potentially setting new cold records, it added.

Additionally, the WPC said that gusty winds will worsen the already dangerous subzero wind chills and could also lead to scattered power outages and isolated tree damage, especially in higher elevations from the central Appalachians into New England. Short bursts of heavy snow, including snow squalls, may also occur as the cold air sweeps in on Friday and Saturday, it said.

The agency warned that the frigid wind chills could create dangerous conditions, including hypothermia and frostbite, for anyone with exposed skin.

“Have a cold weather survival kit if traveling. Limit time outdoors and cover exposed skin if outside,” advised the WPC. “Ensure pets and livestock have adequate protection from the cold. Take steps to prevent frozen pipes, and avoid travel on frozen bodies of water where ice thickness is uncertain.”

A forecast map from the agency indicated that states facing the coldest wind chills from Friday to Monday include portions of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

A broad swathe of the country has been contending with plunging temperatures, with frigid air pushing as far south as Florida—where even snow flurries have been reported.

Locations throughout the state tied or broke their daily record lows during the first three days of February, the WPC has also reported.

Following the latest round of Arctic air, there will be a reprieve from the bitter cold, with a warmup beginning by early to mid-next week, is expected.

According to a forecast map from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), there is confidence that much of the country, including portions of the Northeast, will see higher than average temperatures between February 11 and 17.