Arctic Blast Grips Northern United States
An Arctic air mass originating from Canada has brought unprecedented cold to large parts of the United States, affecting daily life and infrastructure.
Jordan Taylor
- 2024-01-15
- Updated 01:55 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - Temperatures in the northern states of Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota have drastically plummeted, with forecasts predicting lows of up to minus 57 degrees Celsius. Chester, Montana, reported a record-setting minus 54 degrees Celsius last Saturday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued cold weather warnings to nearly 110 million Americans, urging caution amidst the life-threatening temperatures.
Serious Consequences Due to Extreme Temperatures
The frigid air mass stunned residents of Kansas City, Missouri, with Sunday morning temperatures mirroring the severe cold last encountered in 1989, at minus 35 degrees Celsius. The NWS has strongly advised against outdoor activities and stressed the importance of proper attire to prevent frostbite, which could occur within ten minutes in such conditions. Pet owners received guidance to minimize pets' exposure outdoors, and livestock should be provided with warm shelter due to the dangerous temperatures.
The intense cold has led to widespread disruptions, including the postponement and cancellation of various campaign events, sports games, and over 1,100 flights, along with delays for more than 3,500. The severe weather compelled the NFL to reschedule the playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, the Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Miami Dolphins in an extraordinarily cold game, punctuated by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid's mustache freezing. Notably, an Arrowhead Stadium employee demonstrated the severity of the cold by showcasing a bottle of water freezing instantly after being removed from a refrigerator.
Energy Supply and Demand Challenges
U.S. natural gas production hit an 11-month low after wells froze, while the demand for gas—for heating and power generation—reached new heights. Texas's energy operator, ERCOT, has requested conservation efforts from citizens and public agencies. Forecasts predict the extension of these severe conditions into the coming days, with a looming storm threatening to bring additional snowfall to the southern United States, including Memphis and Shreveport, Louisiana.
