Forecasters predict that another Arctic blast will impact the eastern United States, dropping temperatures significantly by Friday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme cold watches for a vast area from Pennsylvania to northwestern Maine, with wind chills potentially reaching as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 degrees Celsius). These conditions pose serious risks, including frostbite and hypothermia.
Despite the impending cold, the NWS's Climate Prediction Center has released a temperature outlook indicating that from February 12 to 18, much of the nation could experience above-average temperatures. This forecast, however, does not provide exact temperature predictions, focusing instead on the likelihood of temperature averages being above, near, or below the norm.
Meanwhile, a storm is moving through the Mid-Atlantic, which is expected to bring light wintry precipitation before heading southeast. Although this system will likely have minimal impact, it will facilitate the arrival of colder air from the polar vortex. As millions have faced severe cold since early December, the prospect of warmer temperatures later in February offers a glimmer of hope amid the harsh winter conditions.