Wicked Cold, Record Low Temperatures Arriving

The tri-state has plunged into another deep freeze that may bring the coldest temperatures of an already frigid winter season, Storm Team 4 says.

A shock of arctic air moved into the region Thursday, bringing bitter cold and gusty winds. Temperatures climbed to the upper teens across much of the tri-state and capped off at 21 in New York City in the afternoon, but it felt like the single-digits outside because of the harsh wind.

Temperatures dropped even further after the sun went down. Record lows could be observed across the region on account of the snow packed atop the ground and a very cold air mass moving over the region. Friday morning's lows could hit the low single digits or fall below zero, Storm Team 4 says. Gusty winds could blast the region and make it feel as low as negative 25 degrees in some areas to the northwest.

Storm Team 4 forecasts lows of 3 or 4 degrees in Central Park and at JFK and LaGuardia airports, which would smash the 7 degree record low Feb. 20 temperatures for those areas. In Newark, Storm Team 4 forecasts a low of 1 degree, which would beat the city's previous 5 degree low. And in Bridgeport, Connecticut, low temperatures could reach 1 degree.

Storm Team 4 meteorologist Steve Sosna explains the science behind the bitter cold as he discusses a phenomenon known as the “Siberian Express.”

Despite a full day of sunshine, high temperatures Friday afternoon will only be in the upper teens, Storm Team 4 says, which is about 25 degrees below seasonal averages. Alternate side parking in the city is suspended Friday and Saturday.
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The freeze follows a pair of wintry weather patterns that dumped several inches of snow on parts of the tri-state and brought record-setting cold and whipping winds to parts of the region earlier this week.

Snow and a wintry mix are possible Saturday night; the wintry mix will likely change to rain during the day Sunday as warmer air enters the area from the south -- temperatures in the mid 40s are possible Sunday afternoon, Storm Team 4 says. Light accumulation is possible before the changeover.

Temperatures will drop again Monday and Tuesday, and another snowstorm is possible on Wednesday.

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