Fresh wave of cold air to freeze central, eastern US through midweek

Arctic air will reclaim its dominance across the central and eastern United States through midweek.

“Whereas the period from Dec. 26-Jan. 7 averaged 15 to as much as 25 degrees below normal from the Ohio Valley through the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, temperature departures will be much less extreme during the third week of January,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott.

While not as frigid as the cold blast in early January, this event could still turn into a dangerous situation.

“After reaching the 50s and 60s along the Interstate 95 corridor late this past week, high temperatures will be held in the 20s and 30s into midweek,” Elliott said.

Because of the recent mild spell, Elliott noted that “this blast of arctic air will still feel quite cold to residents in the eastern U.S.”

Extra layers and careful planning will again be necessary for residents and tourists across these regions.

Motorists and pedestrians should watch out for lingering icy patches in the wake of Friday's rain, snow and ice.

The threat of freezing pipes and water main bursts will be renewed as well. Home and business owners should frequently check for leaks or other issues in order to catch these problems as soon as possible.

"Seal up drafts from the outside and either turn off and drain water from lines in unheated areas or provide access for safe heat and warm room air to reach as much plumbing locations as possible," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. "A simple matter of opening cabinet doors and lifting away some ceiling tiles where cold air can build up may save thousands in repairs later on."

Anyone venturing outdoors will need to cover up, as dangerously cold conditions are expected. Animals should not be left outside without proper protection.

The cold will actually come in two waves. While the first is following the late-week winter storm, a reinforcing blast will follow the storm set to spread disruptive snow from the northern Plains to the Northeast early this week.

The next cold shot will also plunge deep into the southern U.S., accompanied by snow and an icy mix.

This cold wave will not stick around as long as the one that gripped the region from late December through the first week of January.

A surge of mild, Pacific air will likely reach the East by next weekend.

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