Fri Dec 12 22:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
A dangerous arctic blast is sweeping across the US, bringing record-breaking cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills to the Midwest, Northeast, and South. Temperatures are expected to plummet well below average, with some areas experiencing lows of 20-30 degrees below zero, and wind chills even lower. The cold weather poses a significant risk of frostbite. While some areas have already experienced a historically cold start to December, a potential pattern change may bring relief by late next week into Christmas week.
News Article:
Arctic Blast Grips Midwest, Northeast, South; Frostbite Risk Soars
A wave of dangerously cold arctic air is plunging across a large portion of the United States this weekend, bringing with it the threat of frostbite and life-threatening conditions. The Midwest is already feeling the brunt of the cold, with temperatures plummeting to 40 degrees below average in some areas.
The arctic front is expected to reach the Northeast and much of the South by Sunday, excluding Florida. Even northern Florida will feel the chill by Monday. High temperatures are struggling to break into the double digits in the Midwest, with some areas potentially remaining below zero throughout the day. Record-cold high temperatures for this time of year may be set in cities like Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
Subzero morning lows are forecast as far south as Indiana, central Illinois, and northern Missouri. The eastern Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, and western Wisconsin, including the Twin Cities, can expect lows in the teens or even 20s below zero on Sunday morning.
Adding to the danger are strong winds, which will send wind chills plummeting. The Northern Plains and upper Midwest could experience wind chills of 20-30 degrees below zero. The Weather Channel warns residents to minimize time outdoors and ensure all exposed skin is covered.
“This is a serious cold snap,” said Jonathan Erdman, senior meteorologist at weather.com. “The combination of extreme cold and wind creates a real risk of frostbite in a very short amount of time.”
The current cold snap has already resulted in a historically cold start to December in several locations, particularly in the Great Lakes and East. However, there is hope on the horizon. Long-range models suggest a potential pattern change by late next week into Christmas week, which could push the cold air back into Canada.
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