What is the ‘Arctic blast’ deep-freezing the US and Canada?
Al JazeeraRecent temperatures of minus 78 degrees Celsius are reportedly the lowest ever recorded in the United States. A dangerous combination of record-setting cold temperatures and powerful winds buffeted the northeastern United States and Canada over the weekend, creating life-threatening conditions and wind-chills from the Arctic blast. An Arctic blast is defined by the US National Weather Service as when “very cold air masses that typically originate in the Siberian Region of Asia, cross over the North Pole into Canada and push south and east into the lower United States”. As this Arctic air is pushed into the warmer, moister air ahead of it, the system can quickly develop into serious weather — including what’s known as a “bomb cyclone” – a fast-developing storm in which atmospheric pressure falls quickly over 24 hours. “The goal last night was just to keep people alive and safe.” Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey ordered South Station, the city’s main rail terminal, to remain open overnight to serve as an emergency shelter.
History of this topic
Arctic blast impacts millions as ‘dangerously cold’ streak invades US
The Independent
Arctic blast will see temperatures tumble and 'feel like single figures' as rural areas brace for frost and snow
Daily Mail
Arctic freeze continues to blast huge swaths of the US with sub-zero temperatures
The IndependentUS in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it’s climate change
Associated Press
US braces for record lows, and frigid winds in widespread winter storm. See where record-low temperatures will strike
Hindustan TimesArctic freeze continues to blast huge swaths of the US with sub-zero temperatures
Associated Press)
What is the ‘Arctic blast’ that made wind chill temperatures plunge to -78C in the US?
Firstpost)
'Frostquakes': Arctic blast breaks US wind-chill record
Firstpost
Mount Washington records wind chills of -104F - the lowest temperature EVER recorded in the US
Daily Mail
‘Extremely dangerous’ Arctic blast hits northern US and Canada
Al Jazeera
EXPLAINER: Arctic blast sweeps US, causes bomb cyclone
Associated Press
Deep freeze grips U.S. as winter 'bomb cyclone' looms ahead of holiday weekend
The Hindu
Historic 'bomb cyclone' freezes North America
The Hindu
Photos: Arctic blast upends travel, disrupts power in US, Canada
Al Jazeera
After the blizzard, the big chill as East Coast digs out
The Independent
Arctic blast brings frigid temperatures to northern US, Canada
Al Jazeera
Study: Warmer Arctic led to killer cold in Texas, much of US
Associated Press
Why we can’t yet say with certainty whether the Texas cold snap is linked to global heating
The Independent)
How the potent polar vortex brings Arctic's frigid weather, winter storms to mainland USA
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