Temperatures will continue to fall over the next few days

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The new year is bringing a cold front with it, as multiple blasts of Arctic air are poised to hit much of the United States in the first half of January. At the same time, a winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow from the Midwest to Northeast this weekend.

"As we round out 2024 and head into 2025, above normal warmth across the eastern half of the U.S. will be quickly replaced by a series of Arctic outbreaks... with the coldest air of the season set to take hold through next week," the 

 will spread from the Northern Plains to the south and east in the days ahead, leading to "exceptionally high probabilities of below-normal temperatures" across the eastern part of the country into next week.

Below-freezing temperatures are possible as far south as Florida and the Gulf Coast, the NWS says.

 as "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." They occur regularly but push this far down into the southern U.S. only every four to five years; an Arctic outbreak in 

Frigid temperatures already arrived in the northern Plains midweek and are expected to spread south and east through the end of the weekend. Another more extreme Arctic outbreak is forecast to bring even colder temperatures to the same areas next week.

Temperatures will be 5 to 20 degrees colder than usual for a large swath of the country, 

It says high temperatures could be near the freezing mark in places like St. Louis and Cincinnati, while single-digit lows are expected in Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois. In northern North Dakota, lows could reach 

. Even Orlando, Fla., where highs are typically in the low 70s this time of year, could see those highs 

But the question of exactly how cold it will get — and where — remains somewhat up in the air.

Forecasters say there's a chance the cold spell could bring with it a 

, the strong band of westerly winds that forms above the North Pole every winter and contains a 

. The polar vortex was a key factor in the February 

 that brought record lows to Texas — and 

 from the NWS Climate Prediction Center suggests the cold spells could last through at least Jan. 15. All told, the Arctic air could affect more than 250 million people across 40 states, according to 

A weekend storm could add snow and ice to the mix 

Areas from the central Plains to mid-Atlantic could also see heavy snow and hazardous ice, as forecasters warn of a 

Forecasters say it could impact infrastructure and disrupt travel, especially in harder-hit areas across the Appalachians, Ohio Valley, interior mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes and interior Northeast.

There's a high chance that areas between central Kansas and Indiana could get at least 8 inches of snow, according to the NWS.

 are under lake-effect warnings through Sunday night, with New York Gov. 

 that certain counties could see up to 3 feet of snow.

"Heavy Lake Effect snow is likely to enhance totals for areas downwind of the Great Lakes as the Arctic Air pushes south across partially unfrozen waters," the NWS explains.

The Weather Channel, which has named the system 

, says at least 6 inches of snow are likely in the Central Plains and Midwest, as well as portions of the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metro areas. 

, since fallen snow both absorbs and reflects the sun's rays.

The NWS is also warning of "significant sleet and freezing rain" this weekend in areas farther south: eastern Kansas and the Ozarks, as well as the Tennessee and lower Ohio valleys. It says the southern Appalachians could also see icing on Sunday.

"Treacherous travel conditions are expected, with power outages likely occurring in areas with over a quarter-inch of ice accumulation," the NWS said Friday morning. 

It recommends stocking up on enough nonperishable food, water and medications to last for three days; updating your first-aid kit; gathering up your warmest clothing and blankets; keeping your phone charged; and checking for Wireless Emergency Alerts.

People should minimize time outdoors for both themselves and 

Once inside, people should insulate their pipes if possible, open sink cabinets to expose pipes to heated air and disconnect their hoses and sprinklers to 

 and neighbors, especially if they are in groups considered vulnerable: newborns, older adults, outdoor workers, people with chronic illness and people without homes.

Here are even more tips from NPR on prepping your car for 

Weather and Climate News

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Rachel Treisman

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Blasts of Arctic air are poised to bring below-average temperatures to much of the central and eastern U.S. throughout the first half of January. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.

A winter storm with heavy snow is forecast for much of the U.S. this weekend

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