As January approaches, all signs point to an intense Arctic blast affecting much of the United States, particularly east of the Rockies. While key details such as the exact timing, temperature drops, and the possibility of wintry precipitation remain uncertain, one thing is clear—frigid air is on its way.
Cold Air On the Move
Model trends indicate a significant dip in temperatures as Arctic air pushes southward from Canada into the U.S., beginning in the first full week of January. The coldest temperatures are expected to settle east of the Rockies, with much of the western U.S. remaining relatively warm in comparison.
The ensemble mean temperature forecast for Saturday, January 11, shows large swaths of the country facing temperatures well below normal. Areas in blue, green, and purple on forecast maps highlight regions expecting temperatures 15 to 20 degrees colder than average, with the potential for subzero lows in some areas.
Timeline of the Arctic Blast
- Early January: Seasonable to slightly mild temperatures ease into the month.
- First Full Week of January: A strong push of Arctic air spills into the region, bringing significantly colder conditions.
- Mid-January: A second, even more frigid wave of Arctic air is expected around January 10-11, solidifying a deep freeze across much of the country.
What to Expect
- Highs in the teens, lows below zero: Some areas could see daytime highs struggle to climb above the teens, with overnight lows plummeting into negative territory.
- 15–20°F below normal: Temperatures could deviate sharply from climatological norms, rivaling previous cold snaps like February 2021 and December 2022.
- Potential for snow and ice: While precipitation forecasts remain uncertain, the arrival of Arctic air raises the possibility of wintry conditions in some regions.
What’s Driving This Pattern?
This setup is reminiscent of previous cold spells driven by similar atmospheric patterns. The jet stream is expected to buckle, allowing frigid air to spill southward. This aligns with the climatological tendency for January to bring some of the coldest air of the year.
Stay Prepared
With extreme cold looming, it’s essential to prepare:
- Protect your home by insulating pipes and sealing drafts.
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, including blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food.
- Limit outdoor exposure and dress in layers to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
Stay tuned for updates as models refine their predictions. For now, it’s time to brace for winter’s full force—January is shaping up to be a cold one.
