Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and the Midwest Brace for Dangerous Arctic Cold as Wind Chills Plunge Below Zero for Over 100 Million People
UNITED STATES — A powerful Arctic outbreak is expected to grip much of the country this weekend, bringing dangerous cold and life-threatening wind chills across large portions of the Central Plains, Midwest, and South. Forecast data shows wind chills dropping below zero for more than 100 million people, with some of the coldest conditions targeting Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and the Great Lakes region by Saturday.
Wind Chills Could Reach Extreme Levels in the Northern Plains
Forecast maps indicate the most extreme cold will be centered over the Northern Plains, where wind chills could plunge as low as 40 to 60 degrees below zero. These conditions are considered dangerous to deadly, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in minutes.
States such as North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and northern Iowa are expected to see the harshest impacts, but the cold air mass will extend far south and east.
Dangerous Cold Pushes Deep Into the South
What makes this event particularly notable is how far south the Arctic air is expected to reach. Forecast guidance shows subzero wind chills extending into parts of:
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Illinois
Even areas that rarely experience extreme winter cold may face single-digit or below-zero wind chills, creating serious risks for people, pets, and infrastructure not accustomed to these temperatures.
Why This Cold Is So Dangerous
This Arctic surge is being driven by a strong high-pressure system that will funnel frigid air southward while gusty winds amplify the cold through wind chill effects.
Under these conditions:
- Frostbite can occur in 10 minutes or less
- Hypothermia risk increases rapidly
- Outdoor exposure becomes dangerous, even for short periods
- Power demand will spike significantly
The cold is also expected to persist, meaning impacts may last longer than a single night.
Southern Winter Storm Risk Also Increases
Meteorologists note that this dangerous cold air may also help set the stage for a rare southern winter storm on Friday and Saturday. As cold air locks into place across the South, any incoming moisture could lead to snow, sleet, or freezing rain, particularly across parts of Texas, the Deep South, and the Southeast.
While details remain uncertain, the combination of extreme cold and winter precipitation raises the potential for high-impact travel and power disruptions.
Who Needs to Prepare Now
Residents across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, the Midwest, and the Northern Plains should prepare for:
- Dangerous outdoor conditions
- Possible school and business disruptions
- Increased risk of frozen pipes
- Potential energy strain during peak cold
People are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, ensure pets have shelter, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Cold Safety Remains Critical
Officials stress that wind chill values, not just air temperatures, will drive impacts. Even locations that appear “above zero” on thermometers may feel far colder due to strong winds.
This Arctic outbreak is shaping up to be one of the most widespread dangerous cold events of the season, affecting a massive portion of the United States at the same time.
Stay with Waldron News for continued updates on the Arctic cold, wind chill warnings, and any winter storm developments as this high-impact pattern unfolds.