Honestly, looking at the maps right now, tomorrow is going to be a bit of a shock to the system for a huge chunk of the country. If you’ve been enjoying a relatively mild January, that’s basically ending. We are looking at a Sunday, January 18, 2026, that feels less like a standard winter day and more like a scene from a survival movie in some spots.
The big story is the Polar Vortex. It's not just a buzzword this time; it’s a massive displacement of arctic air that is diving deep into the central and eastern United States.
Across the board for the United States, the average high is hovering around 36°F, while the low is bottoming out at a bone-chilling 2°F. That is a massive spread. Most of the day will be sunny, but don't let the blue skies fool you—it’s going to be sharp and cold.
Why Tomorrow Feels Different
The setup for Sunday involves a potent surface low-pressure system moving through the Northern and Central High Plains. This is dragging down air straight from far northern Canada.
In places like Minneapolis and Chicago, we aren't just talking about cold; we are talking about wind chills hitting -10°F to -20°F. This is the kind of cold that bites. If you’re heading to the Bears vs. Rams game in Chicago, you’re looking at one of the coldest NFL games in history. It’s basically a freezer with a scoreboard.
The South is Getting Hit Too
The most surprising part of tomorrow's forecast is how far south this cold air is reaching. It’s kinda wild to see, but there is a legitimate chance of a wintry mix—meaning rain and snow—in parts of Southeast Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
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- New Orleans: Expect "feels like" temperatures to dip near freezing in the early morning.
- Northwest Florida: Cities from Panama City to Tallahassee might actually see flurries.
- Macon, Georgia: Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing with potential snowfall.
Usually, these areas are the safe haven from winter, but tomorrow they’ll be digging out the heavy coats they rarely use.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The National Weather Service is seeing a very amplified pattern. While the West Coast stays relatively warm and above average due to a persistent ridge, the rest of the country is in a deep trough.
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| Region | High / Low Expectation | Notable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest | Teens / Single Digits | Dangerous snow squalls and gusty winds. |
| Northeast | 20s / 10s | Increasing cloud cover and sharp drops by night. |
| Southeast | 40s / 30s | Potential for sleet or light snow in the morning. |
| West Coast | 50s / 60s | Mostly sunny and staying mild. |
The humidity for the day is sitting around 55%, which means it won't be that "dry cold" people always talk about. It’s going to have enough moisture to make the air feel heavy and biting. Winds are coming out of the southwest at 8 mph, which sounds gentle, but in 2°F weather, it’s enough to make exposed skin hurt in minutes.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Cold
A lot of people think that if the sun is out, it can’t be that cold. That’s a mistake for tomorrow. The UV Index is a 3, which is low. The sun is basically just decoration tomorrow; it won't provide any meaningful warmth.
Also, watch out for "flash freezes" on the roads. In areas like Ohio and Pennsylvania, snow squalls can create whiteout conditions in seconds. If you're driving, honestly, just slow down. The transition from wet roads to ice happens faster than most people realize when an arctic front moves through.
Actionable Steps for Tomorrow
- Drip your faucets: If you're in the South and your house isn't built for a hard freeze, let the water move.
- Layering is a science: Wear a base layer that wicks moisture. Sweat is your enemy in -20°F wind chill because it freezes.
- Check your tires: Cold air makes tire pressure drop. You don't want a "low pressure" light to be the reason you're stuck on the side of a freezing highway.
- Pets inside: If it's too cold for you, it's definitely too cold for them.
The transition to ENSO-neutral conditions is coming later this spring, but for right now, the weak La Niña is letting these arctic outbreaks happen with more frequency. Stay warm and keep an eye on the local radar if you're in the "snow-mix" zones.