A frigid grip will continue over the eastern half of the country through Saturday, with another surge of arctic air rushing behind a powerful winter storm sweeping the northern part. For some, the incoming air mass will deliver the coldest temperatures of the season so far.

Meanwhile, more than 200 million people in the Lower 48 states are waking up Wednesday morning to subzero temperatures, the FOX Forecast Center said.

“These cold temperatures are extending all the way south,” FOX Wea said.this meteorologist Britta Merwin said. “So there are many of us in company.”

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In the Northern Plains, these extremely cold temperatures combine with windy conditions to produce freezing temperatures. wind chills well below zero. Further south, subzero temperatures extend to Floridawhere frost warnings are in effect.

“If you live Fargo, North Dakotayou know what it’s like to be in negative single-digit territory, because that’s your reality once you really get into the thick of it. winter“, Merwin said. “But for people who live in the South, we’re not always used to having cold air.”

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Temperatures Wednesday afternoon will be a few degrees warmer than earlier in the week, but still very cold, the FOX Forecast Center said.

This “warming” will not last long, because a powerful Arctic cold front is already heading south, bringing a new influx of Arctic air behind a powerful winter storm.

Once again, temperatures will drop well below average from the Plains to the East Coast. Upper daytime maximums Midwest eastward could be 10 to 20 degrees below average.

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The cold will peak Friday morning when temperatures in the teens could be felt as far south as north. Alabama, Georgia And Mississippi.

“It’s a good time of year to check your carbon monoxide detectors in your House and make sure your chimney is cleaned so you can stay warm safely,” advised Merwin.

Warmer temperatures will return next week.