Arctic outbreak ends after breaking century-old records from Kansas to Texas
Arctic outbreak that brought extreme cold to much of the U.S. is coming to an end, after breaking over a century-old temperature records in some parts of the country.
Cows grazing in Oklahoma during Artic outbreak - February 2025. Image credit: Brett Kenworthy
- The Arctic outbreak brought freezing temperatures across the country, with parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas breaking century-old low-temperature records this week.
- A warming trend is expected to follow behind, bringing some much-needed relief across the country.
Record-breaking Arctic outbreak that affected much of the U.S. this week entered its final stage on Friday, February 21, after bringing record-low temperatures from north to south.
Subzero wind chills continue to affect much of the country, from the northern border to the Gulf Coast, with multiple regions experiencing some of the coldest late-season temperatures on record. Wind chill values between -29 and -34°C (-20 and -30°F) are expected across parts of the central and northern Plains and the Upper Midwest.
Multiple temperature records have been broken across the country. Kansas City set a new record for the lowest daily temperature on February 21, as Kansas City International Airport recorded -19°C (-2°F) on Friday, surpassing the previous record of -18°C (0 °F) set on February 21, 1939.
Other parts of Kansas also experienced record-breaking cold, with Wichita, Salina, and Chanute setting new records for the lowest high temperature on February 20, surpassing marks set in 1918. Wichita recorded a high of -11°C (13°F), Salina recorded -11°C (12°F), and Chanute recorded -9°C (15°F) on Thursday, February 20.
The cities had already broken records for daily cool high temperatures on Wednesday, February 19, before they broke temperature records the next day.
In Texas, Dallas recorded a low temperature of 0°C (31°F) on Thursday, surpassing the previous record of 2°C (35°F) for February 20, set in 1904.
In Oklahoma, Tulsa and Fort Smith broke their century-old records for the lowest minimum temperature on February 19. Tulsa recorded -17°C (2°F), breaking the previous record of -13°C (9°F) set in 1918, while Fort Smith recorded -13°C (8°F), surpassing the previous record of -6°C (21°F) set in 1921.
Fayetteville, Oklahoma, also set a new record on Wednesday, recording a minimum temperature of -19°C (-3°F), breaking the previous record for February 19 set during the Arctic outbreak of 2021.
Cold temperatures are expected to persist through Friday across the Central Plains and the Gulf Coast, though a warming trend is developing in many regions affected by the polar vortex.
Cold weather alerts remain in effect for millions, stretching from Nebraska to Texas and extending eastward to Florida and parts of the Southeast. Wind chill values dropped as low as -46°C (-51°F) in Glasgow, Montana, on Thursday morning.
References:
1 Short Range Forecast Discussion – NWS – February 21, 2025
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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