Widespread Arctic Surge Forecast for Dec 12‑16 The National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center project a second Arctic air wave moving from the northern Plains through the Midwest into the East, Mid‑South, and South late this week and peaking between Dec 12‑16 [1][2][3]. The CPC 6‑ to 10‑day outlook calls for below‑average temperatures across the Eastern U.S. during that period [1][2]. Meteorologists link the outbreak to a stretched polar vortex elongated between East Asia and eastern North America, allowing frigid air to spill far south [1][2][3].

Midwest Wind Chills Expected Well Below Zero Major Midwestern cities—including Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Detroit—are forecast to see wind chills well below zero, with Detroit lows potentially dropping into the single digits [1][2]. AccuWeather predicts record‑low temperatures, citing a projected low of –3 °F in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday morning [3]. The combined effect of multiple Arctic waves will push temperatures 15‑25 °F below historical averages in many locations [3].

Southeastern Regions Anticipate Teens to Low‑20s The Mid‑South is expected to experience lows in the low‑20s to upper teens, while northern Alabama may see wind chills in the teens [1][2]. These values reflect the same southward surge of Arctic air that is driving the Midwest chill [1][2]. Local NWS offices will issue detailed updates as the cold front advances into these areas [3].

Cold Spell Likely to Subside Before Holidays Judah Cohen of AER JANUS notes the cold pattern should wane after the third week of December, raising uncertainty about lingering chill into the holiday period [1][2]. The CPC’s late‑December outlook projects warmer‑than‑average conditions for most of the United States, suggesting the current Arctic blast will largely end before the end of the month [1][2]. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts for the final transition to milder weather [3].