New York City has been subject to severe cold weather, experiencing temperatures that dipped lower than some regions in Antarctica over the weekend. On Sunday, the city’s temperature reached a chilling 3 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chill factors making it feel as cold as minus 14 degrees. Reports indicate that parts of the broader northeast saw wind chill values plunge to an alarming minus 40 degrees.

Extreme Cold Warnings Issued

The National Weather Service has issued rare Extreme Cold Warnings for over 43 million people across the northeastern United States, which includes major urban centers such as New York and Philadelphia, effective through Sunday evening. Meteorologist Stephen Morgan noted that it has been almost two decades since New York City faced a similar situation, with no comparable warnings issued since 2004.

Arctic Air Mass Shift Fuels Cold Snap

The sudden plunge in temperatures has been attributed to an influx of Arctic air descending southward from the icy tundra region north of Hudson Bay in Canada. This cold wave is being labeled as one of the most severe in at least a decade for many areas outside the coast. Dan DePodwin, Senior Director of Forecasting Operations at AccuWeather, emphasized that numerous locations are likely to experience a stretch of days where temperatures remain below freezing, contributing to one of the longest recorded freezes in history.

Conditions Expected to Worsen

Meteorologists predict that the extreme cold will persist throughout the weekend. Jon Porter, Chief Meteorologist at AccuWeather, remarked that the combination of Arctic air and strong winds could lead to colder conditions than any previously recorded this winter. This cold snap has been marked as the most significant in over twenty years for the region.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The harsh conditions have had devastating effects on the city’s vulnerable populations. At least 17 individuals have succumbed to the cold while outdoors in New York City, with 13 of these fatalities officially reported as being caused by hypothermia. Despite the growing toll, Mayor Mamdani has decided against mandating the relocation of homeless individuals into shelters, citing concerns regarding their rights.

Responses from Other Cities

In contrast, other major cities, including Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Boston, have activated warming shelters to provide refuge for those affected by the extreme conditions. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a cold weather emergency for the city, which will remain in effect through Monday in light of the ongoing bitter temperatures.