WEST MICHIGAN — If it seems a bit early for this kind of chill, indeed it is. The Arctic blast that many states are experiencing typically is a product of the deeper winter. As the attached photo of current temperatures shows, more than three dozen states across the United States are in the deep freeze.
The Arctic blast has seeped as far south as Texas as temperatures top out only in the 30s. The coldest temperatures can be found in the Northern and Great Plains and are in the single digits well below zero. If this is any indication what the remainder of the winter will be like, better get out the full winter apparel and prepare accordingly with parkas, scarves, gloves, and hats.
We’ve already experienced major ramifications of this early season Arctic outbreak across the southern Plains and eastern quarter of the nation with several inches of accumulating snow as well as an ice storm. Accidents too numerous to count, power outages, and flight delays are only part of the problem. As the cold air intrusion sinks further south it will also threaten the citrus crop.
As we move through the next week in Michigan reinforcing shots of cold air will follow creating chances of accumulating system snow (from low pressure) coupled with accumulating lake-effect snows with the Arctic air moving over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Michigan. Our warmest temperature in the 7-Day forecast is for 32 degrees next Friday, but that will clearly be the exception rather than the rule as it will be short-lived. Get the complete forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
