Unprecedented Winter: Record Cold Blankets Eastern States

Persistent Arctic Airflow Batters the Eastern Seaboard

Since mid-January, much of the eastern United States has been gripped by an unyielding cold, with conditions resembling a vast freezer. The Northeast, in particular, has seen temperatures plummeting by as much as 30 degrees below the seasonal norm, creating a deeply uncomfortable and hazardous environment.

Historic Lows Recorded in Key Locations

This prolonged cold snap led to a significant milestone in New York City, where Kennedy Airport registered a record low of 6 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday. This surpassed the previous record of 7 degrees set on the same date in 1993. Simultaneously, DuBois, Pennsylvania, located approximately 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, also marked a new low of minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit.

Northern New York Experiences Extreme Cold

The frigid conditions intensified further on Sunday in northern New York. Watertown, situated five miles east of Lake Ontario and 30 miles south of the Canadian border, recorded the nation's lowest temperature at a staggering minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit, highlighting the severity of the cold front affecting the region.

Meteorological Explanation for the Extreme Weather

Andrew Orrison, a meteorologist from the Weather Prediction Center, described these temperatures as "impressively cold." He explained that these extreme conditions are a direct consequence of continuous waves of Arctic air sweeping across the country, repeatedly plunging temperatures to record-breaking levels.

Anticipated Continuation of Record-Setting Cold

Looking ahead, Mr. Orrison warned that another surge of Arctic air was expected. This new cold front was predicted to bring additional record-low daytime high temperatures to areas across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on the upcoming Sunday, indicating no immediate reprieve from the biting cold.