Record-Breaking November Arctic Cold: How Long Will It Last?

Daytime highs in the 30s and 40s will be the rule in parts of the Ohio Valley, northern Tennessee Valley, southern Appalachians and Northeast. The exception appears to be Tuesday and Wednesday, where 30s and even some 20s are possible for highs. This second shot could keep highs -- yes, highs -- below freezing as far south as Tennessee on Tuesday.

Some of these daily high temperatures will be more on par with average January highs, rather than November.

Subzero cold is expected to be most widespread in the fresh, snow-covered areas of the northern Rockies and High Plains. A few areas that received heavy snow from Winter Storm Astro in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest may also dip below zero, as well.

How Long Will This Last?

With blocking high pressure aloft over eastern Alaska and northwest Canada, a direct pipeline of cold air will come from Siberia to near the North Pole, then southward into Canada and the U.S., particularly the Plains and Midwest. While not nearly as cold in magnitude, the arctic surges will also sweep into parts of the East.

This is a classic Arctic outbreak pattern that will remain largely locked in over these areas into next week. 

Here is the general forecast timing of each arctic cold surge, and when the coldest air may ease:

- First arctic surge: Spread into the East last week (November 11-15).

- Second arctic surge: Plunges down the High Plains and Rockies through the weekend.

- Third arctic surge: Arrives in Northern Plains, Upper Midwest Sunday, then sweeps into the Ohio Valley, Deep South and East next Tuesday and Wednesday. For parts of the mid-Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley and the Middle Atlantic States, this could be the coldest of the surges with numerous daily record lows threatened.

- Cold relief: Possible later in the week at least for the Rockies, central/southern Plains and South. Another cold surge may plunge into the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast at that time.

According to the National Weather Service, Chicago has only seen six other stretches below 40 degrees so early in the season, last occurring from Nov. 11-17, 1997. The Windy City may not see 40 degrees until next weekend.

Link: http://www.wunderground.com/news/arctic-cold-outbreak-november-locked-20141110