Arctic cold deepens from New York City, New York, to Dallas, Texas

Arctic cold deepens from New York City, New York, to Dallas, TexasArctic cold deepens from New York City, New York, to Dallas, Texas

A nation locked in ice

Extreme cold continues to hold much of the United States in its grip. From the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, millions remain under cold weather warnings as communities repair damage left by a massive winter storm.

Temperatures remain well below seasonal norms. The cold is not easing. Another surge of Arctic air is already on the way, according to the National Weather Service, raising concerns that the harsh conditions could persist into next week.

By midweek, nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population is expected to experience below-freezing temperatures. Record lows remain possible across a broad swath of the country, stretching from the southern Plains to the Northeast.



Rising death toll and mounting human cost

As the scope of the storm becomes clearer, the human toll continues to climb. At least 51 weather-related deaths have been reported nationwide.

Health officials in Louisiana and Tennessee each confirmed eight deaths. In Kentucky, a 72-year-old woman died of hypothermia, and an inmate at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex died while removing snow and ice debris.

In New York, NY, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said 10 people were found dead outdoors.

“We do not yet know whether every case will be ruled hypothermia," Mamdani said. “But we need every New Yorker to be on alert, looking out for their neighbors."

Extreme cold grips the U.S. as a potential bomb cyclone targets the East CoastExtreme cold grips the U.S. as a potential bomb cyclone targets the East Coast


Cold that threatens life

The cold itself has become one of the most dangerous elements of this event.

“Low temperatures in the single digits to below zero pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite even without wind," the National Weather Service warned.

Chicago, IL, is expected to drop to around zero degrees, while Dallas, TX, could see lows near 17 degrees. Below-freezing temperatures have already been recorded in Washington, D.C.

As far south as Miami, FL, temperatures are forecast to fall into the mid-30s. The chill reaches places unaccustomed to such cold.

Snow piles up, roads and skies disrupted

Heavy snow has fallen across a vast corridor from Arkansas to New England. In Pittsburgh, PA, snowfall rates approached one inch per hour on Monday, producing the city’s second-largest 24-hour snow total in 30 years.

Mayor Corey O’Connor declared a state of emergency as dozens of snowplows broke down under the strain of the cold.

Lake-effect snow continues to hammer parts of New York State, with 8 to 16 inches expected on the Tug Hill Plateau.

Air travel remains severely disrupted. On Tuesday afternoon, more than 2,190 flights were canceled
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us

News