Monday Insights:
Arctic Freeze, Major Southern U.S. Snowstorm & Santa Ana Winds Return

The U.S. is facing an extraordinary weather event this week as Arctic air grips much of the country and a rare Gulf Coast snowstorm brings significant disruptions to the South. Here’s a closer look at the impacts across the nation and what New Englanders can expect in the days ahead.

Southern U.S.: Snowfall Disrupts Warm-Weather States

A powerful winter storm will sweep through the Southern U.S., delivering rare snow and ice to areas like Houston, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. A widespread 1-4″ is anticipated with locally higher amounts long the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Alabama. Even cities like Charleston and Savannah may pick up a coating to two inches.

This storm is causing major travel disruptions, with icy roads and freezing temperatures bringing cities to a standstill. Some areas are also experiencing severe thunderstorms to the south of the snow band, with heavy rain and lightning over parts of Florida central and southern FL through Wednesday.

Extreme Northern Plains Cold

While the South deals with snow, New England is facing dangerously cold Arctic air. In the Northern Plains, this polar plunge is sending temperatures as cold as 30 BELOW zero, with wind chills as low as -40°F to -50°F, meaning frost bite can develop in as little as 5 minutes. That makes our cold seem a little more bearable.

For New England today and tomorrow:

• Wind Gusts: 20–35 mph, adding a biting chill.
• Temperatures: Teens for highs across the North, barely cracking the 20s farther south.
• Wind Chills: Single digit and lower teens, though far North Country feels sub-zero at times during the day (particularly northern Maine). Colder wind chill at night.
• Timing: The coldest air will linger through Wednesday before slightly moderating by week’s end.

Another Round of Santa Ana winds?

These notorious winds are bringing high fire weather risks to the region, with gusts of 50–60 mph and isolated peaks exceeding 75 mph tonight into tomorrow. The strong, dry winds are fanning critical fire weather conditions, especially across Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.

Santa Ana winds occur when high pressure builds over the interior West, forcing air through mountain passes and canyons toward the coast. This process compresses and heats the air, lowering humidity and creating an ideal environment for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.

After a brief lull midweek, another surge of these winds is expected Thursday into Friday, further extending the elevated fire risk. Some precipitation may arrive by the weekend, offering a glimmer of relief, but for now, Southern California remains on high alert.