Millions of Americans are bracing for life-threatening cold as an arctic blast driven by the polar vortex plunges temperatures across the country, reaching as far south as the Gulf Coast. The brutal cold, which originated from Siberia, is bringing record-breaking low temperatures and dangerous wind chills, prompting officials to issue urgent warnings and advisories.
The polar vortex—a large area of low pressure and cold air that typically remains over the Arctic—has dipped far southward into the United States, unleashing subzero temperatures across much of the nation.
By Saturday, temperatures in the northern tier of the country plummeted into the single digits, with wind chills dipping into the negative teens. The cold intensified on Sunday, bringing wind chills of -20°F across the Northern Plains and single-digit readings throughout the Central Plains.
READ: Siberian Air To Plunge Eastern US Into Deep Freeze Next Week, Parts Of Florida Included
Forecasters predict that Monday will see the coldest air yet, with record low high temperatures expected across 19 states from the Plains to the East Coast. Forecast temperatures will be 25 to 30 degrees below normal for this time of year, with some areas struggling to reach the single digits.
In Atlanta, temperatures are expected to fall to the freezing mark, with wind chills making it feel like the low 20s. Across the Midwest and Rockies, highs are forecast to remain well below zero, with dangerously low wind chills creating hazardous conditions for residents.
Inauguration Day Moves Indoors Amid Bitter Cold
The bitter cold has forced a major change to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. Originally set to take place outside the U.S. Capitol, the event will now be held indoors in the Capitol Rotunda to protect attendees from the dangerous weather conditions.
“There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.”
The forecast for Monday’s inauguration in the nation’s capital includes mostly sunny skies but with temperatures only reaching the low 20s. Wind chills are expected to make it feel like single digits, marking one of the coldest Inauguration Days in U.S. history.
This will be the coldest presidential inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985 when temperatures reached just 7°F, forcing the ceremony indoors and canceling the inaugural parade.
With the dangerous cold gripping much of the country, authorities are urging residents to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia. Heating centers have been opened in multiple cities, and residents are being advised to stay indoors and limit exposure to the extreme cold.
The arctic blast has also caused widespread travel disruptions. Hundreds of flights have been delayed or canceled across major hubs including Chicago, Denver, and New York due to freezing temperatures and de-icing requirements.
READ: Severe Winter Weather To Impact Millions Across The U.S., Including Trump Inauguration
Meanwhile, utility companies are warning of potential power outages as energy demands surge. Officials have urged residents to conserve energy where possible to prevent strain on the electrical grid.
Forecasters predict that the polar vortex will linger through midweek, with little relief in sight. The National Weather Service warns that the cold air mass will persist over much of the country before gradually moderating by late week.
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