Arctic Blast in Midwest Could Bring Temps 45 Degrees Lower Than Average

The Midwest is hunkering down this week as meteorologists call for an arctic blast expected to bring temperatures as low as 45 degrees below average for the area.

The west and central United States are expected to be hit by frigid temperatures by Tuesday, The Weather Channel meteorologist Roy Lucksinger told NBC News, urging people to dress warmly, cover their faces, and make sure to have emergency supplies when traveling.

Subzero temperatures stretched as far south as New Mexico, with Taos seeing a low of -6 degrees on Tuesday morning, The Weather Channel reported. Wind chill temperatures reached 40 below in Wyoming.

Parts of 17 states from Michigan to the Texas panhandle faced wind chill advisories or warnings. The cold is expected to ease at the end of the week, but another arctic cold front is expected this weekend in the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and interior Northeast, according to The Weather Channel.

Twitter users commented on the arctic blast.

Even a coat doesn't work! were all freezing any ideaaaas ❄️

— Ollie J (@OllieMarland) December 30, 2014

Driving up to the ski hill and it is -21 degrees up there wish me luck on not freezing 😅

— Christmitch (@MrMitch361) December 30, 2014

Good people of #Denver, its freakin' freezing outside, but that doesn't mean you should leave your car running unattended. #DontBeAPuffer

— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) December 30, 2014

Im sorry don't think I can come to work today, my beds nice and warm, the outside is freezing.. Yeah I'll pass

— Jerome billingham (@_OfficialJerome) December 30, 2014

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