An Arctic cold front is moving across North America, bringing temperatures below seasonal averages to Eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. Communities are experiencing severe cold, with particular emphasis on areas in Kitikmeot and major cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. While expected to warm slightly by week’s end, this outbreak underscores the potential hazards of extreme winter weather.
As the new year begins, an Arctic cold front is sweeping across North America, causing temperatures in Eastern Canada and parts of the United States to fall below seasonal averages. This Arctic outbreak, which meteorologists commonly refer to as an Arctic “blast,” originates from frigid air masses in Siberia that have traversed the North Pole. The cold air has moved into Alaska, then spread eastward into Northern Canada, and continues southward as far as Florida.
Currently, communities in Kitikmeot are experiencing severe cold, with temperatures plummeting below -30 degrees Celsius and wind chills reaching as low as -50 degrees Celsius. Iqaluit, which had been experiencing relatively mild winter temperatures, is forecasted to experience a significant drop to -17 degrees Celsius by January 8. In Eastern Canada, daytime highs fell from -1 degrees Celsius on January 2 to -11 degrees Celsius by January 5, indicating a notable cooling trend.
In the eastern United States, temperatures are projected to hit notably low levels. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is expected to experience lows below -17 degrees Celsius for the first time this century, while Washington, D.C., will endure similar lows for the first time since 2019. Meteorologists have indicated that temperatures will begin to rise again towards the end of the following week.
Although Arctic outbreaks are typically commonplace during this period, they can have dire consequences. The 2019 Arctic outbreak was particularly severe, resulting in over 20 fatalities across the U.S. as wind chills fell below -49 degrees Celsius, alongside significant disruptions to air travel.
The phenomenon of Arctic outbreaks occurs when cold air masses from the Arctic regions, particularly Siberia, move southward into North America. The U.S. National Weather Service and Climate Prediction Center closely monitor these events, as they can lead to dramatic temperature declines across vast regions. These outbreaks are particularly pronounced during winter months, and the resulting frigid temperatures can have significant effects on both natural ecosystems and human activities, including travel and health.
In summary, the onset of the new year witnesses a significant Arctic outbreak affecting North America. While this phenomenon is expected and recurrent, the temperatures reported, especially in the eastern United States, are historically low for this century, prompting concerns about safety and travel disruptions. The situation emphasizes the need for vigilance during such weather events, particularly given the potential risks associated with extreme cold.
Original Source: nunatsiaq.com
