New York City has just endured one of its harshest cold spells in recent years, with temperatures dropping to a staggering 3°F and wind chills plummeting to -14°F, making it chillier than certain areas of Antarctica. This deep freeze, the worst since 2018, saw McMurdo Station in Antarctica surprisingly sitting at 21°F, which is nearly 20 degrees warmer than what New Yorkers faced!
The city was marked by frozen fountains, icy sidewalks, and urgent weather alerts. The National Weather Service has advised residents to remain indoors due to the real risks of frostbite and hypothermia. Unfortunately, this winter has already claimed at least 17 lives due to the extreme cold.
Experts indicate this is the most severe cold spell in over ten years, featuring a 16-day streak of frigid temperatures that might set new records. Although warmer air from the Pacific is on the horizon, it may introduce new challenges such as fog, sleet, and freezing rain.