Case Description

Reason for interest: Extreme cold event.

A strong dip in the jet stream led to snow and a subsequent bitterly cold outbreak from Montana to Ohio. Parts of Indiana received 15+ inches of snow while temperatures dropped below -20 degrees F in many areas. Strong winds behind the cold front led to wind chills below -50 F in parts of Wisconsin and into the negative 30s from North Dakota to Ohio.

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Loop showing surface temperatures below zero degrees F. Image courtesy NOAA.

Loop showing dip in the jet stream, which led to extreme cold: