A brutal Arctic air mass has settled over the central U.S., bringing life-threatening colds to Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. Residents are waking up to wind chills as low as -27°F, with officials warning that exposure to these temperatures can cause frostbite in minutes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Extreme Cold Warnings across the region, urging people to stay indoors and take precautions as the deep freeze continues. The frigid air is expected to linger through Thursday morning, making this one of the coldest outbreaks of the season.
How Cold Is It Getting?
The Arctic blast has plunged temperatures to dangerous lows, with wind chills making it feel even colder:
- Denver, Colorado – 12°F, but wind chills make it feel like -10°F
- Topeka, Kansas – -8°F actual temperature, with wind chills dropping to -30°F
- Lincoln, Nebraska – -9°F, with wind chills as low as -37°F
Officials warn that in some areas, even brief exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite within 10-30 minutes.
What’s the Impact?
The bitter cold is already disrupting daily life, causing dangerous road conditions, school closures, and warnings about power grid strain.
- Treacherous Roads – Ice-covered highways are leading to multiple crashes, with officials urging people to avoid non-essential travel.
- School Closures – Schools in Denver, Omaha, and Wichita have cancelled in-person classes or switched to remote learning to protect students from the dangerous cold.
- Power Grid Concerns – Energy companies are monitoring electricity demand as heating systems work overtime, raising concerns about possible power outages in areas witageingng infrastructure.
How to Stay Safe in This Deep Freeze
With extreme cold expected to last another 24 hours, residents are urged to take these essential precautions:
- Avoid outdoor exposure – If you must go outside, dress in layers and cover all exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
- Keep pipes from freezing – Let faucets drip slowly and open cabinets to allow warm air to circulate plumbing.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours – Elderly residents and those without reliable heating may need extra assistance.
- Bring pets indoors – Animals are also at risk in this extreme cold, so provide warm shelter and fresh, unfrozen water.
When Will It Warm Up?
Relief is coming, but not right away. The dangerous cold will persist through Thursday, with temperatures finally climbing back above freezing by the weekend. By Sunday, some areas could see highs in the 50s, providing much-needed relief from this Arctic blast.
For now, stay indoors, stay warm, and stay informed as the historic cold continues across the Midwest.
