Arctic Outbreak Brings Extreme Cold to North America as New Year Begins

The new year has initiated an Arctic outbreak across North America, with temperatures in Eastern Canada and the U.S. plummeting. Cold air masses from Siberia are responsible for these below-normal temperatures, with significant impacts expected in cities such as Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. While such outbreaks are common, they can lead to extreme conditions and public safety concerns.

The new year has ushered in an Arctic outbreak across North America, plunging temperatures in Eastern Canada and the United States below the seasonal averages, as reported by the U.S. National Weather Service and Climate Prediction Center. This dip in temperature, often termed an Arctic “blast” in the U.S., is attributed to frigid air masses originating from Siberia. These masses have traveled over the North Pole into Alaska and are now advancing southward into the continental U.S., affecting areas as far down as Florida.

At present, the Kitikmeot communities are experiencing severe cold, with temperatures falling below -30 degrees Celsius, compounded by wind chills that can plummet to -50 degrees Celsius. Additionally, Iqaluit, which had been witnessing relatively mild winter conditions, is forecasted to experience a significant drop to -17 degrees Celsius on January 8. Eastern Canada has also felt the effects, with temperatures decreasing from -1 degree Celsius on January 2 to a high of -11 degrees Celsius by January 5.

Meteorologist Brian Proctor from Environment Canada commented, “Not tremendously cold from what they can experience, but it’s definitely cooling down.” The situation is particularly dire for the eastern U.S., where temperatures are expected to drop significantly. In Philadelphia, temperatures will fall below -17 degrees Celsius for the first time this century, while Washington, D.C., will see similar lows not recorded since 2019.

Proctor mentioned that temperatures are anticipated to begin rising towards the end of the following week. Although Arctic outbreaks are a common occurrence during this time of year, he noted that the extreme conditions can lead to dire outcomes. This was notably evident during the January 2019 outbreak, where the United States recorded more than 20 fatalities and widespread disruption of air travel due to wind chills sinking below -49 degrees Celsius.

An Arctic outbreak, particularly prevalent during the winter months, occurs when cold air masses from the Arctic region, often stemming from Siberia, move southward over North America. This phenomenon results in significantly lower temperatures across Canada and the United States, as the frigid air traverses the North Pole. Understanding the mechanisms behind these outbreaks can provide insight into their frequency and the potential impacts on both human activities and natural environments. Meteorologists closely monitor these cold snaps due to their ability to cause dangerous weather conditions, prompting public safety alerts and affecting transportation systems.

In summary, the onset of the new year has brought an Arctic outbreak to North America, leading to significant temperature drops in Eastern Canada and the eastern United States. The cold air masses from Siberia have created record lows for several regions, especially in major cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. While this phenomenon is not unusual for the season, it poses risks to public safety, necessitating vigilance as temperatures are predicted to stabilize towards the end of the upcoming week.

Original Source: nunatsiaq.com