Dangerous cold and strong winds this weekend across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Key Messages for Early February Extreme Cold
●
●Extreme Cold and Dangerous Wind Chills
A significant arctic outbreak will bring dangerously cold
wind chills to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this
weekend. Frigid wind chills as low as the minus 30s are
forecast across the Interior Northeast and New England.
Widespread bitterly cold daytime temperatures will
struggle to rise above the teens and single digits. Relief
from this cold and a warming trend is forecast to
commence by the beginning to middle of next week.
●Damaging Winds and Snow Squall Potential
Strong winds, gusting up to 60 mph, on Saturday will
exacerbate the dangerous widespread below zero wind
chills by producing the potential for isolated tree damage
and power outages. This is most likely across the
southern/central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic. Brief
periods of intense snowfall, including snow squalls and
blowing snow, are also possible with the arrival of the
arctic air through Saturday.
●Cold Weather Safety
These wind chills pose a life-threatening risk of
hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin. Have a cold
weather survival kit if traveling. Limit time outdoors and
cover exposed skin if outside. Ensure pets and livestock
have adequate protection from the cold. Take steps to
prevent frozen pipes, and avoid travel on frozen bodies of
water where ice thickness is uncertain.
Issued: Fri, Feb 6, 2026
