Arctic blast to drop temps from northern Rockies to East Coast

(NewsNation) — An Arctic blast is on its way to sweep over the northern Rockies to the East Coast, starting Monday night.

A cold surge is expected to bring temperatures and wind chills possibly reaching lows not seen for several years, the Washington Post reported, particularly in the Midwest and along the Eastern Seaboard.

During the second week of January, more than 30 states could experience subzero temperatures. If temperatures reach these low levels, high demands for heat and electricity could strain the U.S. electrical grid, the Post reported.

The severity of the cold air could be dangerous, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

"At the very least, the upcoming pattern could be costly for those struggling to pay energy bills and travelers heading home from the holidays or beginning business trips for the first couple of weeks of 2025," according to a report from AccuWeather.

Will the Arctic blast cause snow?

While it's certain that temps will be low, snowfall remains uncertain.

AccuWeather meteorologists have warned that Arctic air will sweep into the Central, Southern and Eastern states, potentially bringing a stormy pattern including snow and ice for the first half of January.

How long will the Arctic blast last?

Frigid weather will persist for the first two to three weeks of January.

The Pacific Northwest may then experience an unusual cold air pattern in late January, while seasonable temperatures return to the central and eastern states.