An Arctic blast responsible for shattering decades-old cold records across 19 states is finally losing its grip, with forecasters predicting a rapid warmup starting this weekend. Cities from Nebraska to Alabama endured subzero temperatures Friday morning, including Lincoln, Nebraska (-17°F) and Memphis, Tennessee (15°F), as frozen fountains in Texas and icy Chicago sidewalks underscored the historic cold snap.
Meteorologists confirm this week’s freeze represents the longest consecutive stretch of record lows in the central U.S. since 1989. The combination of polar air and reduced cloud cover created unprecedented cooling, stated ABC News chief forecaster Lisa Montgomery. Critical safety concerns remain heightened, with officials warning residents to:
- Check pipes for freezing risks during thaw cycles
- Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure despite rising temperatures
- Monitor elderly neighbors for hypothermia symptoms
This abrupt shift from -17°F to 50s within 72 hours is meteorological whiplash – communities must prepare now.
By Sunday, Kansas City will reach 50°F while Austin soars to 60°F – a 70-degree swing from Friday’s lows. Northern cities join the warming trend Monday, with Chicago nearing 50°F and New York/Washington expecting 60°F highs by midweek. Experts caution that rapid snowmelt could cause localized flooding, particularly in regions lacking drainage infrastructure upgrades after recent winters.
