Arctic Outbreak Brings Frigid Temperatures to North America as New Year Begins
An Arctic outbreak is bringing frigid temperatures to Eastern Canada and the U.S., with significant drops expected in areas like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Cold air from Siberia is moving south, causing conditions as severe as -50 °C wind chills in several communities. While temperatures are set to rise by the end of next week, the current outbreak reflects the typical winter climate patterns experienced in North America.
The onset of the new year brings an Arctic cold wave to North America, particularly affecting Eastern Canada and the United States. According to the U.S. National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, a cold air mass from Siberia has migrated southward, resulting in significantly lower temperatures. Characterized as an Arctic outbreak—which some refer to as an Arctic “blast”—this weather phenomenon involves frigid air moving through Alaska and into eastern regions, with implications for areas as far south as Florida.
Currently, Arctic communities in Kitikmeot are notably impacted, facing temperatures below -30 °C, accompanied by wind chills as severe as -50 °C. While Iqaluit has experienced unusually mild conditions with temperatures hovering around freezing, a notable decrease to -17 °C is anticipated by January 8. Eastern Canada is likewise feeling the effects, with temperatures falling from -1 °C on January 2 to daytime highs of -11 °C on January 5.
According to Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, while these temperatures may not appear extreme locally, they are significantly colder than the seasonal averages for regions such as the eastern U.S. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, temperatures are projected to dip below -17 °C for the first time this century, and Washington, D.C., will experience similar lows for the first time since 2019. Fortunately, forecasts suggest temperatures will begin to rise towards the end of the following week.
Arctic outbreaks are a customary occurrence during this time of year, noted Proctor, although previous occurrences, such as the drastic drop in January 2019, resulted in over 20 fatalities in the U.S. and substantial disruptions, including canceled flights due to severe wind chills below -49 °C.
The phenomenon of Arctic outbreaks occurs when cold air masses from the Arctic region migrate south, often leading to drastic temperature drops across North America. The recent outbreak, traced back to Siberian air masses crossing the North Pole, has resulted in lower temperatures affecting both Canada and the U.S. This seasonally normal event can sometimes yield extreme conditions, influencing weather patterns significantly in various North American regions.
In summary, the beginning of the new year has ushered in an Arctic outbreak that is expected to significantly lower temperatures in Eastern Canada and parts of the U.S. Communities are facing frigid conditions, with implications for health and safety. While such outbreaks are not uncommon, the severity of this particular instance is noteworthy, underscoring the potential dangers of extreme cold weather. Temperatures are anticipated to stabilize as the week progresses.
Original Source: nunatsiaq.com
