Record Cold to Grip Millions as Winter Begins

The first week of meteorological winter is set to deliver record-breaking cold across large portions of the United States, plunging millions into temperatures far below seasonal norms. A powerful arctic air mass is sweeping southward, bringing widespread chills, dangerous wind gusts and the coldest conditions many regions have experienced in years.

Forecasters report that the cold front will stretch from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest and Deep South, with some areas expected to see temperatures fall 20 to 30 degrees below average. Overnight lows could shatter early-season records, particularly across the northern Plains, Great Lakes and interior Northeast. Wind chills in certain states may dip well below zero, raising concerns for frostbite and hypothermia.

The surge of frigid air follows a series of early-winter storms that brought heavy snow, slick roads and travel disruptions heading into the holiday season. Meteorologists warn that the incoming cold blast will maintain icy conditions and could trigger additional snowfall, especially in lake-effect regions and higher elevations.

Cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo are bracing for intense cold snaps that could strain infrastructure and increase energy demand. Southern states, including Texas, Alabama and Georgia, may also experience unusually harsh conditions, reminding residents of past severe cold events.

Officials urge the public to prepare for the prolonged chill by winterizing homes, checking heating systems and limiting outdoor exposure. With meteorological winter just underway, the nation’s first major cold outbreak signals a potentially intense season ahead.