Though temperatures are already below freezing, winds blowing, snow piling up and the plow trucks out in full force, AccuWeather is reporting things could be getting colder.

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According to a recent report, waves of Arctic air are expected to blast the Midwest throughout the week and into the weekend. “Once temperatures drop below freezing in New York City Monday night, they may not get back above freezing until late next weekend,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams. “In Chicago, it may not be until late next week before temperatures climb back above freezing.”

The week began with a blast of Arctic Air that ushered in current weather conditions. A second blast, dubbed the Alberta Clipper, is expected to hit the Midwest today. The Alberta Clipper should bring more snow, and even ice. Icy streets are a possibility.

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The Alberta Clipper may bring the coldest temperatures we’ve seen since last year. In fact, AccuWeather reports record lows may be challenged this week. In and around the Chicago area, temperatures may struggle to get above zero during the second half of the week, and nighttime temperatures may dip well below zero.

While the Midwest and Northeast will take the brunt of the weather system’s wrath, southern states will be getting pretty chilly as well. Highs will range from the upper 30s to the lower 40s from Jackson, Miss., to Birmingham, Ala., Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C.

“Rather than the pattern lock in for the remainder of the month, it looks like temperatures will moderate at mid-month from the central states to the east,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.

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Keep in mind, the temperatures that the Midwest will experience can be life-threatening, and, at the very least, quite unpleasant for anyone spending a significant amount of time outdoors. The pattern will raise the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Tomorrow the Warsaw area is looking at a high of 11 degrees and a low of -10 degrees with a couple of snow squalls. Thursday’s high is expected to be only 10 degrees, but lows should stay at or above zero. Friday’s high is projected to be only 8 degrees with scattered snow showers.

“The way it is going to feel is a lot worse. Winds will be around 10 to 15 mph making temperatures feel closer to minus 20 degrees,” said Megan Dodson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Syracuse. “Exposure to those temperatures can easily lead to frostbite.

Dodson reports that snowfall in Kosciusko County has totaled approximately 4 to 5 inches, with 1.2 inches yesterday and 3.4 inches so far today. “Its not too bad right now,” Dodson said. “Last year we had 18 inches [for the month of January].”

If you have to get out in this weather, bundle up and keep your skin covered. And drive carefully until roads are cleared.

Source: AccuWeather, NOAA