Bitter Chill Grips New York City Area: Officials Warn of Life-Threatening Temperatures
A sweltering Arctic blast is set to engulf the New York metropolitan area this weekend, leaving residents bracing for frigid conditions that could prove fatal. Temperatures are expected to plummet, with bone-chilling lows and winds howling at up to 20 mph, making it a treacherous outing for anyone planning to venture outdoors.
According to the National Weather Service, an Arctic cold front will sweep in on Saturday morning, bringing a brief flurry of snow before the mercury drops to unseasonable levels. By evening, temperatures are predicted to plummet, with lows dipping as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit by Sunday morning. The real-feel temperatures will be even more unforgiving, with gusts reducing visibility and making hypothermia and frostbite a very real threat in as little as 15-30 minutes.
Residents have been warned by officials to check on vulnerable neighbors and pets throughout the weekend and to bundle up in layers when venturing outside. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to take the forecast seriously, warning that temperatures will be "bitter" and "feel like you've never felt anything before."
The cold snap comes as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions. In recent weeks, at least 17 people have died outside in the city, with many suspected cases linked to hypothermia. The death toll is prompting authorities to take action, including diverting calls about vulnerable individuals to 911 during the "Code Blue" emergency.
The city's housing inspectors are also being adjusted to deal with a record number of complaints about lack of heat and hot water in homes, which spiked last month. Meanwhile, New York City Ferry service remains suspended due to ice in its waterways, with plans to resume limited operations next week.
As the city grapples with this extreme weather event, officials are urging residents to prioritize their safety above all else β taking precautions to stay warm and safe, and seeking help if needed.
A sweltering Arctic blast is set to engulf the New York metropolitan area this weekend, leaving residents bracing for frigid conditions that could prove fatal. Temperatures are expected to plummet, with bone-chilling lows and winds howling at up to 20 mph, making it a treacherous outing for anyone planning to venture outdoors.
According to the National Weather Service, an Arctic cold front will sweep in on Saturday morning, bringing a brief flurry of snow before the mercury drops to unseasonable levels. By evening, temperatures are predicted to plummet, with lows dipping as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit by Sunday morning. The real-feel temperatures will be even more unforgiving, with gusts reducing visibility and making hypothermia and frostbite a very real threat in as little as 15-30 minutes.
Residents have been warned by officials to check on vulnerable neighbors and pets throughout the weekend and to bundle up in layers when venturing outside. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to take the forecast seriously, warning that temperatures will be "bitter" and "feel like you've never felt anything before."
The cold snap comes as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions. In recent weeks, at least 17 people have died outside in the city, with many suspected cases linked to hypothermia. The death toll is prompting authorities to take action, including diverting calls about vulnerable individuals to 911 during the "Code Blue" emergency.
The city's housing inspectors are also being adjusted to deal with a record number of complaints about lack of heat and hot water in homes, which spiked last month. Meanwhile, New York City Ferry service remains suspended due to ice in its waterways, with plans to resume limited operations next week.
As the city grapples with this extreme weather event, officials are urging residents to prioritize their safety above all else β taking precautions to stay warm and safe, and seeking help if needed.