Severe Cold Weather Alert Sweeps Across Northern U.S. States
Residents in the Upper Midwest and Mountain West brace for subfreezing temperatures, frost warnings, and potential crop damage as a powerful cold wave grips multiple states.
Millions of residents in northern U.S. states are under a severe cold weather warning, as temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing across several regions from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued frost and freeze warnings for Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. Temperatures are projected to range between 22°F and 30°F, marking one of the earliest and most widespread cold snaps of the season.
In Wisconsin, some areas will see mid-20s°F, while elevated parts of Michigan are expected to experience lows around 28°F. Colorado’s Yampa River Basin will drop to approximately 27°F, and some valleys in Wyoming may see lows near 22°F.
Frost Threatens Crops as Cold Wave Grips the Northern U.S.
Authorities have warned North Dakota farmers that the frost could cause significant damage to crops, with similar risks to gardens and agriculture in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Homeowners are advised to wrap exposed pipes and protect sensitive plants to minimize damage from the cold.
This cold wave is part of a larger climatic pattern signaling record-setting temperature drops across the northern United States. Forecasts suggest the cold will persist throughout the week.
Extended Frost Warnings Across Multiple States
In Michigan, warnings cover the Upper Peninsula, including Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Iron, Marquette, Menominee, Gogebic, Ontonagon, and southern Houghton counties. Freezing conditions are expected from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. In Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho, frost warnings extend into the early morning, with some regions like eastern Idaho’s Magic Valley and Snake River Plains staying below freezing until Tuesday morning.
By Friday, conditions are expected to shift as a low-pressure system from the northwest approaches, combined with the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla. This will bring increased cloud cover and a chance of rain, with daytime temperatures climbing into the low 70s°F. However, residents are advised to prepare for stormy conditions to return over the weekend, potentially disrupting outdoor activities and travel plans.
