"Preparing for Record Cold: Arctic Blast Set to Chill U.S. and Impact Events"

An Arctic blast is set to bring abnormally cold temperatures to the Lower 48 states, potentially breaking hundreds of records. The cold air mass will produce the planet’s biggest negative temperature anomalies, with temperatures up to 60 degrees below normal in some areas. Wind chills below minus-30 degrees are forecast for much of the northern Plains and northern Rockies, posing an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a weather watch due to the anticipated high heating demand. The frigid temperatures will impact NFL playoff games, the Iowa caucuses, and major population centers, with areas home to more than 50 million Americans expected to drop below zero.