Widespread Arctic Outbreak to Bring Some of Winter's Coldest Temperatures Yet

 Linda Lam

Published: February 2, 2021

Arctic air will surge southward into and across much of the Plains, Midwest and South beginning late this week, but that's not all. Snow may also accompany this widespread cold blast.

Two cold fronts will track across the central and eastern U.S. late this week into next week and prime the region for the coldest temperatures, which will arrive in the form of an arctic high pressure area.

That arctic air will spread across much of the U.S. east of the Rockies and bring many their coldest temperatures of the season. It will be so cold that many will also get their first below zero temperature reading.

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Just how cold it will get, and the specific timing of that cold, remains somewhat uncertain, particularly in areas farther south and in the East. Here's what we know so far.

Frigid Forecast

Temperatures will be above average for much of the central U.S. through midweek. Highs will climb into the 30s and 40s for much of the Northern and Central Plains and Midwest. Temperatures may reach the 50s as far north as southwestern South Dakota.

Temperatures will drop closer to average behind the first cold front by Friday.

High temperatures will be 10 to 30 degrees colder than average this weekend for most of the Plains and Midwest behind the second front. This translates into highs topping out in the single digits above and below zero for the Northern Plains and Midwest.

Forecast Highs

Low temperatures will also be well below average across the Plains and Midwest by Sunday morning.

Temperatures will plummet into the teens and 20s below zero near the Canadian border, with widespread lows in the single digits above and below zero into the Central Plains and Midwest.

Many locations from North Dakota to the Ohio Valley will experience the coldest temperatures of the season so far. The coldest temperature in Bismarck, North Dakota, so far this season has been 1 degree below zero, but lows on Sunday morning are expected to be in the teens below zero.

Omaha, Nebraska, Des Moines, Iowa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chicago and Indianapolis all may experience their first subzero temperatures from this arctic blast.

The wind will make it feel even colder and dangerous wind chills are anticipated.

Forecast Morning Lows

Widespread lows in the 20s are expected across the South by next Monday morning, with lows in the 30s and 40s near the Gulf Coast.

Some snow can't be ruled out in parts of the South as the cold air infiltrates the region, but it is too early for exact details.

(MAPS: 10 Day Forecast)

A system may develop along the East Coast late this weekend and bring precipitation to parts of the East. Bitter cold will likely reach the East early next week once this system pulls away from the region.

The frigid conditions may last for a couple of days but some moderation in temperatures is expected next week.

Late Week Setup

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.