Brace yourselves, as the most severe winter weather is yet to arrive, with the season’s ‘coldest air’ expected to impact millions of Americans.
Following on the heels of freezing fog and a ‘bomb cyclone’ storm, several US states are poised to endure temperatures plunging to -30F this upcoming weekend.
Alex Sosnowski, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, described the forthcoming weather as ‘brutally cold,’ which is anticipated to affect ‘more than 100 million people in the northeastern quarter of the nation as Arctic air pushes southward directly from eastern Canada.’
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Cold Watches for parts of several states, including Maine, New Hampshire, Virginia, and North Carolina, starting Saturday evening (February 7) and lasting through Sunday (February 8).
Forecasts indicate wind chills could plummet to as low as 30 below zero in northern New England, with the potential for frostbite on exposed skin occurring within 10 to 30 minutes.
The frigid air will be accompanied by bouts of snow and strong winds, heightening the danger.
Snow showers are predicted for Friday across areas of the Midwest, such as Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, before moving into the Appalachians and parts of the Northeast, as noted by the Weather Prediction Center.
Light to moderate snow is expected across New England and the interior Northeast, including the I-90 corridor stretching from upstate New York into parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Frigid temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and strong winds are forecast to enter the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this weekend. Here are the latest Key Messages. Be sure to remain weather aware and stay warm! 🥶
Cold Weather Safety 🔗: https://t.co/yWyoCFw9jP pic.twitter.com/uB6DD1TCe8
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 4, 2026
Strong winds, potentially exceeding 50 mph in certain locations, are likely to exacerbate the wind chill factor.
This weekend, the ‘coldest air’ will be centered over the interior Northeast and New England, where NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center forecasts wind chills dropping into the minus-30s.
Single-digit or negative temperatures are anticipated across much of the Northeast, while dangerously low wind chills could extend into parts of the Mid-Atlantic and eastern North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, might receive up to two inches of snow, according to ABC News.
The National Weather Service is urging residents in affected areas to prepare accordingly.
“An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible, but the occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain,” states their website.
“Like with a Warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Ensure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.”
If the watch escalates to a warning, the service advises remaining indoors.
“If you must venture outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and notify at least one other person of your whereabouts.
“Inform them once you’ve reached your destination safely.”
Only 42 days remain until Spring!