Arctic Chill Affects North America as New Year Begins

The New Year has brought Arctic cold to North America, with temperatures dropping significantly as frigid air from Siberia moves southward. Eastern Canada and the eastern U.S. will experience extreme lows, including Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Temperatures are expected to rise again by the end of next week, although past outbreaks have had serious impacts.

The New Year ushers in an Arctic chill across North America, as frigid air from Siberia descends on Eastern Canada and the United States. According to the U.S. National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, this drastic temperature decline is attributable to an Arctic outbreak, commonly referred to as an Arctic “blast” in the U.S. by meteorologist Brian Proctor from Environment Canada.

Cold air masses originating from Siberia travel over the North Pole into Alaska, progressing eastward into northern Canada and then southward to reach even Florida. Presently, Kitikmeot communities are experiencing severe cold, with temperatures plunging below -30°C, accompanied by wind chills as low as -50°C. Iqaluit, which previously enjoyed milder temperatures near freezing, is expected to cool to -17°C by January 8.

In Eastern Canada, the temperature has noticeably dropped from -1°C on January 2 to a high of -11°C on January 5. Proctor notes, “Not tremendously cold from what they can experience, but it’s definitely cooling down.” However, the impact on the eastern U.S. will be significantly more drastic, with temperatures falling drastically below normal seasonal averages. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is forecasted to experience lows below -17°C for the first time in this century, while Washington, D.C., anticipates similar extremes not seen since 2019.

There is an expectation for temperatures to gradually rise late next week. While Arctic outbreaks are routine for this time of year, they can have dire consequences, as evidenced by the 2019 outbreak which resulted in over 20 fatalities and flight disruptions due to temperatures plummeting to below -49°C.

The article addresses the recent Arctic outbreak that is affecting North America, particularly Eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Such outbreaks are characterized by sudden drops in temperature due to the movement of cold air masses from Siberia across the North Pole. During this time of year, these Arctic conditions are not unusual; however, they can lead to severe weather events and serious impacts on life and infrastructure. Forecasters and meteorologists monitor these phenomena closely to prepare individuals and communities for the impending cold. This information helps raise awareness of potential dangers associated with extreme cold temperatures, including health risks and travel disruptions.

In conclusion, the New Year has commenced with significant Arctic cooling that is expected to impact both Canada and the United States. As frigid air moves southward, temperatures are falling drastically, marking a notable shift from milder winter conditions. While such Arctic outbreaks are typical for the season, their extreme effects can be hazardous, as past occurrences have demonstrated. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and prepared as weather conditions evolve over the coming days.

Original Source: nunatsiaq.com