Dangerous cold to settle over north-central US by Christmas Day

A southward plunge of arctic air will unleash bitterly cold air across the north-central United States by the Christmas holiday.

The harsh cold will not only increase heating demands, but also pose hazards to those who are outdoors for any length of time.

The jet stream will take a deep dip to the south into early next week, which will open the gates for the arctic air to invade.

“While colder air will move into the Midwest through Sunday, even harsher cold will arrive just in time for Christmas Day,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson said.

The core of the cold will be centered over the northern Plains, where temperatures up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below late-December normals will be common.

Daytime temperatures will be no higher than the single digits across much of North Dakota, Minnesota, including Minneapolis, and Wisconsin on Christmas Day, with subzero temperatures in store closer to the Canadian border.

The last time Minneapolis had a temperature in the single digits on Christmas Day was in 1985 when the high was 8, according to data compiled by the National Weather Service.

“In International Falls, Minnesota, the lowest daytime temperature on record for Christmas Day is minus 14 degrees set in 1996,” Adamson said, adding that this record will be challenged this Christmas.

While many people will be indoors opening presents, stoking the fire and gathering around the holiday table, anyone who is outdoors for even a small amount of time will be at risk of cold-related illnesses.

“Cold of this magnitude is dangerous for anyone who will be outdoors, no matter the length of time,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Spamer said. “It's important to bundle up and cover as much skin as possible to avoid the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia.”

Pets should not be left outside for an extended period of time. Outdoor animals should be given proper shelter to protect them from the brutal cold.

Car batteries that are several years old may have trouble cranking the engine in the frigid air. Motorists traveling to and from Christmas gatherings should make sure they have plenty of fuel, warm blankets and enough antifreeze in their vehicle for the trip.

Any breeze that stirs across the region will add to the shock value of the cold and lower the body’s ability to stay sufficiently warm while outdoors.

AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures can be 10-20 degrees lower than the actual temperature.

The persistent cold will increase the likelihood of a white Christmas in this part of the country.

The frigid air will be in no hurry to leave, likely sticking around through the final days of 2017.

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