Over the weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning, reminding everyone to stay indoors as much as possible as winter weather and extremely cold temperatures swept across the country. As it turns out, that warning was very necessary for some parts of the United States.
As one meteorologist pointed out this week, temperatures in some parts of the country were quite literally colder than the North Pole, which is perhaps fitting as we are in the Christmas season.
‘Stay Inside’ Warning Issued
As some extreme winter weather and dangerously cold temperatures swept across the country over the weekend, the NWS issued a warning about the dangers of the winter weather, reminding everyone to stay inside when possible and to cover exposed skin when outside.
“Cold outside? Avoid the risk of frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors,” the NWS wrote in a post on X. “If someone might be experiencing either condition, seek medical attention immediately — and know your actions.”
The NWS warned that the winter weather is especially dangerous for newborns, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and unhoused individuals.
“Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme cold, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Age and certain conditions make the body less able to regulate temperature,” the NWS warns.
The NWS advised people to limit time outside, but to wear loose layers and cover all skin if they do have to venture outdoors. Additionally, the NWS advises people to consume hot foods and warm drinks to help keep their body warm, but to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
‘Colder Than the North Pole’
As it turns out, this warning from the NWS was clearly necessary, as one meteorologist pointed out that temperatures in one region of the United States have been so cold that it was actually colder than one of the coldest places on Earth.
“The Midwest was literally colder than the North Pole today!!” meteorologist Jeff Berardelli wrote in a post on X on Sunday evening. “With temperatures as much as 40° below normal, the Midwest Cold is some of the most deviant on Earth. It struggled to get above zero 0°F in spots today.”
Berardelli pointed out that while the temperatures in the Midwest were dangerously low, the North Pole itself was actually unseasonably warm.
“As usual, there’s always an equal & opposite reaction somewhere else. The US Arctic blast is due to strong blocking near the North Pole, with relatively warm air up to 55° above normal – with a pocket of highs above the freezing mark!”
Those dangerously low temperatures were expected to continue into Monday, making the warning from the NWS quite important.
