US to face brutal Arctic blast, temperatures likely to drop to minus 30s
US storms
A brutal and chilling blast of Arctic wind is expected to spread through the central US, which is on the verge of facing a powerful storm, eventually bringing the season's coldest air to as far south as Texas.
Iowa, which is set to host the first presidential caucusfor the 2024 election on Monday (Jan 8), is likely to hold the coldest caucus ever conducted in the history of the state. The cold is also expected to test the vulnerable-to-extreme-temperatures power grid of Texas for the first time in the ongoing winter season.
It is expected that temperatures are likely to drop as low as minus 20 to 30 degrees in the northern Plains on both Friday (Jan 12) and Saturday (Jan 13) and will be combined with gusty winds which is likely to make wind chills more frigid and may push temperature to 50 degrees below zero.
Also read:Winter storm brings strong winds, rainfall and heavy snow in parts of US
In the central United States, more than 15 million people have been under wind chill alerts where they are likely to get frostbite on their exposed skin in just 10 minutes. The cold wave is likely to spread in the country's south and east and eventually envelop Texas as well as other parts of the South.
Blizzard conditions, severe weather chaos in the US
A powerful storm, which started from the Southwest of the US and the Rocky Mountains, has been moving eastward and is likely to bring blizzard conditions as well as severe frigid conditions to many parts of the country in the coming days.
As per the FOX Forecast Centre, a swath of heavy snow will be covering places from Missouri to Michigan, while severe thunderstorms are likely to lash areas from Texas to the Carolinas and the mid-Atlantic.
Watch:Major winter storm slams US with power outages
)
NZ female politician joins meeting from bathroom with underwear hanging - 'You can see my washing, you can see me'
)
Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Indian government over harmful content, platform errors amid PM video row
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
‘Certain munitions are unlimited, others...’: Did Trump admit some US weapons supplies were limited?
)
Michael 2 plans revealed: Makers to start filming soon with THIS release window
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
High-profile tennis club kills its long-term resident geese for pooping on the court
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Jos Buttler to Kieron Pollard, 5 highest run-scorers in T20 cricket
)
Zendaya and Tom Holland celebrate their marriage with private reception in England
)
France offers deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with 94 to be made in India
)
At least 4 killed 15 injured in shooting at school near Bangkok
)
Pakistan inks defence pact with Somalia amid Houthi threat in Bab al-Mandab | Gravitas
)
The Paradise teaser: Nani's intense avatar and stunning visuals impress fans; new release date announced
)
Several Indian states ban analogue paneer: Experts explain what it is and the health risks | WION Decodes
)
Who is Abhay Kumar Tiwari? The alleged mastermind of Jharkhand exam paper leaks
)
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot
)
At least 30 Yemeni troops killed in Houthi missile and drone attacks; toll may go up
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
'Massive attack coming... wait, never mind': Iran mocks US 'theatre diplomacy,' rejects Trump's claim of Hormuz progress
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
US may force more visa applicants to make social media accounts public under Trump's new plan
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach
)
Born in the USA? Trump targets 'birth tourism' with new birthright citizenship executive order
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
)
Secret weapon test blamed for US plane crash that killed four | Gravitas
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Shreya Kalra? Meet the social media star who lifted the Lock Upp 2 trophy
)
Ex top Pakistan official blames economic woes on China: Here's how CPEC became a failure
)
'I would like to support...': Sonam Wangchuk reveals if he will join Jharkhand student protesters in Ranchi
The storm system has similarities with the previous two which had spared the Northeast's major cities from snowfall, as the coastal temperatures were too high for snow to form. However, once the wind and snow get intense, the situation is likely to be very different for the Great Lakes region.
The storm system has already led to blizzard conditions on some mountains in the Pacific Northwest and caused a fatal avalanche in California.
It is expected that the storm system will have an impact on the Plains late on Thursday (Jan 11) and will also impact the eastern half of the country till it travels to Canada and off the Eastern Seaboard on Saturday.
The snowfall is likely to be the lightest over the Plains and is set to become heavier and more widespread over the Great Lakes.
(With inputs from agencies)