Bitterly Cold Air to Plague Central and Eastern US for the Week, Raising Concerns for Heating Demands and Frozen Pipes
By Alyssa Glenny, AccuWeather Meteorologist
Published January 4, 2025 11:42 AM EST. Updated January 6, 2025 5:55 AM EST
A wave of Arctic air will continue to spread across the central and eastern United States, bringing cold temperatures and raising concerns for heating demands and frozen pipes. The cold pattern will be periodically rejuvenated by additional shots of energy, ushering in more brisk, Canadian air with temperatures well below the historical average.
Through at least January 12, widespread temperatures 12-25 degrees Fahrenheit below typical early-January values are projected to expand across much of the central and eastern United States. Maximum temperature departures could plunge 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit below the historical average from the northern Plains and Midwest to the interior Southeast through the first two weeks of January.
The repetitive, chilly pattern can place additional stress on energy usage across a large portion of the nation, especially with some locations remaining below the freezing mark for days and nights for another week or more. Rounds of snow, ice, and gusty winds will accompany the persistent, chilly conditions in some locations.
In the cold sector of the storm, wind gusts will range from 20-35 mph at times, while in the warm sector, robust thunderstorms can produce severe wind gusts along the Gulf coast. Blowing winds will amplify AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature values, making it feel anywhere from 15-30 degrees lower than the actual temperature.
Residents in New Orleans will be among the locations to notice an abrupt drop in temperature this week, with overnight lows projected to drop 40 degrees into the mid-30s by Monday night. As this frigid pattern produces the coldest air of the season, residents will be fighting to keep their homes and businesses warm and insulated enough.
Prolonged heating demand, frozen pipes, and power outages can occur this week, with temperatures dropping into the teens and even several degrees below zero at times. Anyone who must venture outdoors for a period of time is strongly urged to cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Some locations will begin to notice signs of improvement as the end of the week approaches, with cities like Omaha and Chicago expected to rise above freezing by Thursday or Friday.
