Two women are bundled up in cold weather clothing while walking during a frigid weather snap, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Portsmouth, N.H. Windchills in New England are expected to be sub-zero on Friday and Saturday across the region. Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa
New Englanders are used to cold temperatures, but a combination of extreme cold accompanied by powerful winds is downright dangerous, and enough to send even bundled-up skiers scampering indoors.
It’s that potentially deadly combination that sparked worries as weather forecasters talked about “once-in-a-generation” wind chills in parts of New England.
WHAT’S CAUSING THE COLD?
New England’s temperature swing is being caused by two things: The blast of Arctic air has reached the region just as a rapid cyclogenesis is developing over Labrador and Newfoundland, churning up powerful winds, said meteorologist Donald Dumont at the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine.
A cyclogenesis refers to an intensification of a cyclone or low-pressure storm system. Those winds mean cold air dipping to nearly 30 below could feel much colder, with wind chills of minus 50 (minus 45 Celsius) in some spots of the Northeast.
“Those things are leading to this extreme wind chill weather pattern that’s going to be impacting us,” Dumont said.
WHY THE HOOPLA?
Maine is known for its cold weather, but a popular pond hockey tournament was postponed, some ski resorts curtailed operations and organizers even put the kibosh on Saturday’s events at the National Toboggan Championships.
The reality is, this sort of extreme cold doesn’t happen all that often, even in the Northeast.
Letter carrier Dennis Devine is bundled up in winter clothing while making afternoon deliveries during a cold…
2023-02-03 17:40:01 New England knows winter, but why so dangerously cold?
Original from phys.org In recent years, residents of the New England states have become increasingly aware of the harsh winter weather conditions that can often hit the area. With temperatures frequently reaching dangerously cold levels, residents often find themselves asking why is this region so cold during the winter months?
The answer lies in the geography of the region. New England is located in the Northeast corner of the United States, a region that is particularly prone to cold spells during the winter months. This is due to the cold air from the Arctic Ocean, Labrador Sea, and Hudson Bay. These air masses often collide over the New England area and bring cold air down from the north into the region.
Along with this cold air, New England can often experience winter storms that bring large amounts of snow and icy temperatures with them. As the storm systems move across the region, colder air and stronger wind chills are left behind, leading to extremely cold temperatures for residents to endure. Coupled with the snow, these temperatures can be quite hazardous.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to help protect yourself and your family from dangerously cold temperatures. The most important tip is to layer up. Make sure to have several layers of clothing that you can adjust depending on the temperature outside. A thick coat and hat can help keep out the cold, and boots with good traction can help prevent injuries due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.
When winter storms move into the region, it is also important to pay attention to winter weather warnings that may be issued in your area. If you find yourself in an icy situation, don’t take any risks. Stay inside and be mindful of outdoor activities that may be unsafe in extremely cold conditions.
New England knows winter, and it can be a dangerous one at that. Making sure to stay informed and prepared can help protect you and your family from the cold.