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New York records temperatures lower than Antarctica during intense polar air mass

Frio em Nova Iorque, neve
Photo: Frio em Nova Iorque, neve - Wynn Wygal/ Shutterstock.com

Nova York faced one of the most severe cold waves in recent years this weekend. The city recorded temperatures close to -16°C at times, with thermal sensations reaching even lower values ​​due to strong winds. Partes of Antártida, like McMurdo Station, posted superior marks during the same period.

The arctic air mass moved from north of Canadá towards south of Estados Unidos. The phenomenon affected millions of people in the northeast of the country and caused warnings of extreme cold in several metropolises.

Serviço Nacional of Meteorologia has issued warnings to more than 43 million residents in areas such as Nova York and Filadélfia. Authorities recommended that the population avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.

Temperature records in the city

Weather stations in the city of Nova York recorded minimum values ​​of up to 3°F in points such as Kennedy airport on Saturday. Intense winds reduced wind chills to around -25°F in several urban regions.

AccuWeather experts highlighted that the episode represents one of the most prolonged periods of cold in the last two decades in areas far from the coast. Muitos locations have accumulated sequences of days with sub-zero temperatures that are among the longest ever documented.

Alerts issued by authorities

Serviço Nacional of Meteorologia kept extreme cold warnings active until Sunday night in large urban centers. Mais of 100 million Americans received notifications about hypothermia risks in northeastern states.

Cities such as Boston, Washington D.C. and Filadélfia have activated similar emergency protocols. City halls have opened additional reception centers to protect vulnerable groups.

Frio, inverno
Cold, winter – Foto: Remus Rigo/ Shutterstock.com

Emergency measures adopted

The authorities of Nova York activated Código Azul to expand the offer of shelters. Pelo less than 62 reception centers were made available in different neighborhoods of the city.

On Boston, the mayor declared a temporary state of climate emergency until Monday. Equipes municipalities intensified patrols to identify homeless people exposed to the cold.

  • Opening of extra shelters in gyms and schools;
  • Distribution of blankets and warm clothes at strategic points;
  • Expansion of 311 hotlines for risk reports;
  • Constant monitoring of electrical infrastructure under high demand.

Deaths related to low temperatures

At least 18 people have died outdoors in Nova York this winter due to the extreme conditions. Most cases involved hypothermia confirmed by medical examinations.

The number represents an increase compared to previous records for the season. Victims were found mainly in open areas or without immediate access to shelter.

Other cities in the northeast have reported similar cases. Autoridades reinforced campaigns for residents to alert emergency services when identifying risk situations.

Origin of the cold air mass

The cold snap originated from a change in the polar vortex that released frigid air from Ártico. The mass moved along Baía from Hudson and advanced quickly to the south.

Meteorologists identified that the atmospheric system gained strength with the combination of intense winds. Essa configuration increased cooling throughout the eastern corridor of Estados Unidos.

Conditions in other affected cities

Philadelphia recorded a thermal sensation close to -30°C during the early hours of Sunday. The local city hall opened emergency shelters in public buildings.

Boston faced freezing temperatures that led to the temporary suspension of some transportation services. Authorities maintained heightened vigilance until the expected improvement.

Washington D.C. has also activated warming centers for unhoused residents. Equipes health officials monitored hospitals to treat cases of frostbite.

Comparisons with previous periods

The current episode exceeds in duration several records from recent decades in the interior of the northeast. Áreas and Saranac Lake marked extreme values ​​of thermal sensation.

Meteorologists compared the phenomenon to 2004 events in the city of Nova York. On Naquela occasion, similar alerts were last issued before the current one.

Forecast for the next few days

Temperatures are expected to gradually begin to rise from Monday across much of the region. Previsões indicates highs in the 30s F in Nova York by midweek.

Serviço Nacional of Meteorologia expects a reduction in winds and a reduced risk of extreme thermal sensation. However, still cold nights remain in the immediate forecast.

Experts point out that the polar vortex tends to stabilize in the coming days. Essa change will allow milder air masses to enter the American east.

Effects on urban daily life

The intense cold caused interruptions to transport services on several metropolitan lines. Ferries on the river Hudson suspended operations due to ice formation.

Schools in interior districts maintained remote classes to avoid student exposure. Comércios recorded a drop in pedestrian movement over the weekend.

  • Reduction in the use of external areas in public parks;
  • Increase in demand for residential heating;
  • Cancellation of scheduled outdoor events;
  • Greater consumption of electrical energy in buildings.

Continuous condition monitoring

Meteorological teams monitor the evolution of the Arctic system daily. Regular Atualizações are issued to guide the affected population.

Public health authorities reinforce guidance on protection against hypothermia. Wearing layers of clothing and limiting time outdoors remain recommended.