Frigid Arctic Air: What's Coming Our Way and Why It's Serious

The big chill is on its way. A massive Arctic air mass is pushing south, and it's bringing more than just cold temperatures. This isn't your typical winter weather. It's a beast that formed in the far north, where the sun barely shines. That means the air is extra dense and dry. The polar jet stream is to blame for this sudden weather shift. It's like a highway in the sky, and it's taking a detour, letting this Arctic air spill into our area. The cold air is heavy, so it's pushing out the warmer air we've been enjoying. That's why winds will pick up before the temperature even starts to drop.First up, we've got snow squalls. These are sudden bursts of heavy snow and strong winds. They can cause whiteout conditions and icy roads in a flash. The rapid freeze happens because the temperature drops quickly after the snow starts falling. But the real danger comes this weekend. The wind chill will make it feel like it's near -5 degrees. That's not just uncomfortable; it's dangerous. Your body loses heat fast in these conditions. Frostbite can set in within an hour. This isn't your average cold snap. The combination of dense, fast-moving, and dry air makes this Arctic air mass particularly aggressive. It's time to winterize your car, cover up, and be prepared for a weekend of extreme cold.