Arctic blast to send freezing temperatures across US

By Anadolu Staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - An Arctic blast sweeping across the Midwest on Sunday is forecast to spread over two-thirds of the US, bringing snow and record-breaking cold to parts of the South.

The frigid air mass, which broke off from the polar vortex over Canada, marks the first winter storm of the 2025–26 season, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, NBC news reported.

More than 105 million people were under winter weather advisories Sunday as the Arctic front expanded across the eastern two-thirds of the country, the National Weather Service reported. Freezing temperatures are expected to reach deep into the South by Tuesday, with potential record lows.

Even Florida faces an unusual chill. Miami saw temperatures near 85F (29C) on Sunday, but forecasters said parts of the region could drop into the 30s and 40s (1–9C) by Tuesday.

Record lows are expected Monday and Tuesday in parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, while daytime highs across the South will run 10–25 degrees below normal.

Snowfall is forecast from the Great Lakes to New England, with 12–18 inches (30–45 centimeters) possible in parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and West Virginia.

Hochul said parts of western New York could see up to 6 inches of snow, with wind chills dropping into the mid-teens.

With temperatures expected to fall below 32F, the state’s Code Blue shelter requirements are likely to be activated.

Her office added that New York is ready for weather emergencies, with more than 1,500 plow trucks and additional equipment on standby to clear roads and assist stranded vehicles.