A powerful Arctic air mass will hit New York, Pennsylvania, and the New England states early Tuesday morning, bringing temperatures as low as 30 degrees below normal and the worst conditions of the season thus far. Meteorologists warn that the widespread deep freeze will cause dangerously low morning wind chills across most of the northeast.
Deep Freeze Grips the Northeast
Temperature anomalies ranging from -20°F to -32°F below average are expected in Pennsylvania, upstate New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, according to forecast models. Low temperatures in cities like Buffalo, Albany, Scranton, and Boston are forecast to be in the single digits or low teens, while inner mountain valleys may fall below zero.
The European weather model (ECMWF) predicts the coldest temperatures in interior Pennsylvania and New York, where bitter Arctic air will settle overnight in clear sky. Wind chills at daybreak will vary from -10°F to -25°F, particularly in higher elevations and open places.
Wind Chill Dangers and Regional Impacts
The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions. Residents in the Appalachians, Catskills, and Adirondacks should brace themselves for brutal wind chills and dangerously frigid temperatures through Tuesday morning.
Public utilities and municipal governments are warning of potential power outages and frozen pipes as heating systems operate at full capacity. Before traveling in extreme cold temperatures, motorists should check their vehicles for antifreeze protection and ensure that their batteries are completely charged.
Schools and outdoor programs in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine may postpone or curtail outside activities owing to the extreme temperatures.
Extended Cold Pattern Likely to Persist
Meteorologists predict that this Arctic blast will extend throughout the week, with temperatures remaining 10 to 25 degrees below average until Friday. Although a modest moderating trend is conceivable by the weekend, another surge of cold air is expected by mid-December, indicating a persistent winter pattern across the northern US.
According to experts, this is the first major deep freeze of December, indicating that the entire Northeast area may see a colder-than-average month.
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