January–February 2019 North American cold wave#Illinois

File:AIRS Captures Polar Vortex 2019 PIA22823.gif]]

Normally, the Northern Hemisphere jet stream travels fast enough to keep the concentration of Arctic air known as the "polar vortex" stationary in the stratosphere over the North Pole. From late December to early January, a sudden stratospheric warming event was observed over the Arctic, which caused the "polar vortex" to weaken and split into three lobes. In late January 2019, one of these lobes traveled southward and stalled over central Canada and north-central United States for about a week before the upper-level flow of the atmosphere directed it over to Western Canada. The influx of frigid air from the North Pole created high winds, and brought extreme sub-zero temperatures, further exacerbated by severe wind chill. Large amounts of snow fell in the affected area. Some have attributed the unusual weather pattern to climate change.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2019/01/29/polar-vortex-record-cold-temperatures-climate-change/|title=Why Climate Change is Bringing the Polar Vortex South|first=Jennifer|last=Francis|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|work=Discover | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190130180052/http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2019/01/29/polar-vortex-record-cold-temperatures-climate-change/ | archive-date = January 30, 2019 | url-status = live|df=mdy-all}}

At least 22 deaths in North America have been directly attributed to the cold wave, with several of these people frozen to death (hypothermia).

Around 2,700 flights were canceled on January 30, with 2,000 canceled the next day. Amtrak also canceled several trains.[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/relief-coming-blast-chilled-midwest-not-until-after-another-record-n965136 Polar vortex 2019: Relief coming for the Midwest that is suffering another record-low day] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131175905/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/relief-coming-blast-chilled-midwest-not-until-after-another-record-n965136 |date=January 31, 2019 }} NBC News, January 31, 2019

The "polar vortex" split into three parts, with the dominant part setting up over the Great Lakes and Nunavut. This gave prairie Canada and northern Ontario a persistent northern flow, leading to record cold temperatures.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4851800/polar-vortex-ontario-quebec-winter-storm/|title=Polar vortex splits into three, setting up Ontario and Quebec for −30C cold and a weekend storm | Globalnews.ca|date=January 16, 2019|website=globalnews.ca|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202232507/https://globalnews.ca/news/4851800/polar-vortex-ontario-quebec-winter-storm/|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On February 3, Calgary recorded a temperature of {{Convert|-27.7|C|F|abbr=}} and a wind chill of {{Convert|-39|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web|title=Hourly Data Report for February 03, 2019|publisher=Government of Canada|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?timeframe=1&hlyRange=2008-12-22%7C2019-02-04&dlyRange=1999-05-01%7C2019-02-04&mlyRange=2000-06-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27211&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=5&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=Calgary&Year=2019&Month=2&Day=3#}} On February 5, the city dropped to {{Convert|-28.9|C|F|abbr=}} and a wind chill of {{Convert|-36|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web |title=Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?timeframe=1&hlyRange=2008-12-22%7C2019-02-04&dlyRange=1999-05-01%7C2019-02-04&mlyRange=2000-06-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27211&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=5&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=Calgary&Year=2019&Month=2&Day=5# |website=climate.weather.gc.ca |language=en |date=31 October 2011}} The coldest was actually {{convert|-41|C|F}} that was located in Red Deer.

On February 5, Edmonton recorded a temperature of {{Convert|-32.3|C|F|abbr=}} and a wind chill of {{Convert|-37|C|F|abbr=}},{{cite web |title=Edmonton Blatchford - Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=1999-06-23%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=1996-03-01%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=1996-03-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27214&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=2&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=5&txtStationName=Edmonton&timeframe=1&Year=2019 |website=climate.weather.gc.ca |language=en |date=31 October 2011}} as a result of the "polar vortex" making its way west.{{cite web|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-weather-frostbite-in-minutes-sums-it-up-succinctly|title=Edmonton weather: Extreme cold warnings blanket Alberta|website=Edmonton Journal|first=Trevor|last=Robb|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203232441/https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-weather-frostbite-in-minutes-sums-it-up-succinctly|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-weather-extreme-cold-warning-in-effect-40-to-45-wind-chill|title=Edmonton weather: Extreme cold warning in effect; −40 to −45 wind chill|website=Edmonton Journal|first=Trevor|last=Robb|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202225055/https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-weather-extreme-cold-warning-in-effect-40-to-45-wind-chill|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Extreme cold carried into March, with temperatures hitting {{Convert|-31.2|C|F|abbr=}} in Calgary on the second,{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2012-07-09%7C2018-05-12&dlyRange=2012-07-12%7C2018-05-12&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=50430&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=specDate&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&selRow|title=Daily Data Report for March 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=2011-10-31|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}} and {{Convert|-38.6|C|F|abbr=}} in Lethbridge, the coldest March temperature ever recorded in the city.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2011-01-11%7C2019-03-02&dlyRange=2011-01-13%7C2019-03-02&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=49268&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=2&searchMethod=contains&Month=3&Day=2&txtStationName=lethbridge&timeframe=2&Year=2019|title=Daily Data Report for March 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=2011-10-31|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}} Temperatures dropped to {{Convert|-38.0|C|F|abbr=}} in Medicine Hat, only 0.9 away from the March record low.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2010-09-20%7C2019-03-02&dlyRange=2010-09-23%7C2019-03-02&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=48949&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&Month=3&Day=2&txtStationName=medicine+hat&timeframe=2&Year=2019|title=Daily Data Report for March 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=2011-10-31|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}}

On February 4, the temperature in Richmond dropped to {{Convert|-5.6|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-11|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web|title=Hourly Data Report for February 04, 2019|publisher=Government of Canada|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?timeframe=1&hlyRange=2013-06-11%7C2019-02-04&dlyRange=2013-06-13%7C2019-02-04&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=51442&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=2&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=Vancouver+Int&Year=2019&Month=2&Day=4#}}

On the same day, the temperature in Abbotsford dropped to {{Convert|-9|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-20|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web |title=Abbotsford A - Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2016-01-13%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=2018-10-29%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=54238&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=2&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=4&txtStationName=Abbotsford&timeframe=1&Year=2019 |website=climate.weather.gc.ca |language=en |date=31 October 2011}}

Again on the same day, the daily high in downtown Victoria was at {{Convert|-0.9|C|F|abbr=}},{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1994-02-01%7C2018-05-02&dlyRange=1992-12-01%7C2018-05-02&mlyRange=1992-01-01%7C2007-02-01&StationID=6812&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=40&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=victoria&timeframe=2&Day=1&Year=2019&Month=2#|title=Daily Data Report for February 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=2011-10-31|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-02-09}} the first time the daily high was below freezing since January 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1994-02-01%7C2018-05-02&dlyRange=1992-12-01%7C2018-05-02&mlyRange=1992-01-01%7C2007-02-01&StationID=6812&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=40&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=victoria&timeframe=2&Day=1&Year=2017&Month=1|title=Daily Data Report for January 2017 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=2011-10-31|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-02-09}} The next day, on February 5, the city's temperature dropped to {{Convert|-7|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-9|C|F|abbr=}}.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=1994-02-01%7C2018-05-02&dlyRange=1992-12-01%7C2018-05-02&mlyRange=1992-01-01%7C2007-02-01&StationID=6812&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=40&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=victoria&timeframe=1&Day=5&Year=2019&Month=2|title=Hourly Data Report for February 05, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=February 11, 2019}}

Prince George dropped to as low as {{Convert|-36.2|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-43|C|F|abbr=}} on February 4.{{Cite web|url=https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2009-10-08%7C2019-02-12&dlyRange=2009-10-22%7C2019-02-12&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=48370&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=4&txtStationName=Prince+George&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for February 04, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca}} On February 11 the city recorded a temperature of {{Convert|-32.7|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-39|C|F|abbr=}}.{{Cite web|url=https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2009-10-08%7C2019-02-12&dlyRange=2009-10-22%7C2019-02-12&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=48370&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=11&txtStationName=Prince+George&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for February 11, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca}}

Vancouver recorded a temperature of {{Convert|-4.3|C|F|abbr=}} on February 5.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=1976-01-20%7C2019-02-08&dlyRange=1925-11-01%7C2019-02-08&mlyRange=1925-01-01%7C2007-02-01&StationID=888&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=5&txtStationName=Vancouver+Harbour&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for February 05, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=February 11, 2019}} On February 11 the city surpassed this, dropping to {{Convert|-4.4|C|F|abbr=}}.{{Cite web|url=https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=1976-01-20%7C2019-02-12&dlyRange=1925-11-01%7C2019-02-12&mlyRange=1925-01-01%7C2007-02-01&StationID=888&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=11&txtStationName=Vancouver+Harbour&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for February 11, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca}} Vancouver had its coldest February on record.{{Cite web|url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-coldest-february-2019|title=Vancouver just had its coldest February on record|last=Plana|first=Vincent|date=2019-03-01|website=Daily Hive|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}} One benefit from the cold, however, was that it killed many Japanese beetles, an invasive species to the area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cold-winter-impact-on-vancouver-japanese-beetle-1.5040009|title=Vancouver's wild winter weather could aid battle against invasive beetle|date=March 3, 2019|first=Chad|last=Pawson |website=CBC|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}}

On February 5, Kelowna dropped to {{Convert|-20.3|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-24|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web |title=Kelowna - Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2009-08-27%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=2009-09-03%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=48369&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=5&txtStationName=Kelowna&timeframe=1&Year=2019 |website=climate.weather.gc.ca |language=en |date=31 October 2011}} The next day, on February 6, the wind chill dropped to as low as {{Convert|-26|C|F|abbr=}}. On February 10 the temperature in the city dropped to {{Convert|-20.8|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-27|C|F|abbr=}}.{{Cite web|url=https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2009-08-27%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=2009-09-03%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=48369&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=10&txtStationName=Kelowna&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for February 10, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca}}

Temperatures reached {{Convert|-20.7|C|F|abbr=}} in Ashcroft on February 5, the coldest temperature recorded in February since record keeping began in 2010. This record was broken again on the 10th when it reached {{Convert|-21.7|C|F|abbr=}}.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2010-06-16%7C2018-05-02&dlyRange=2010-06-16%7C2018-05-02&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=48708&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=specDate&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=ashcroft&timeframe=2&Day=2&Year=2019&Month=2#|title=Daily Data Report for February 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=2011-10-31|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-02-09}}

On February 6, the temperature in Nanaimo dropped to {{Convert|-6.7|C|F|abbr=}} and a wind chill of {{Convert|-9|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web |title=Nanaimo A - Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2014-10-23%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=2018-10-29%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=52941&Prov=BC&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=5&txtStationName=Nanaimo&timeframe=1&Year=2019 |website=climate.weather.gc.ca |language=en |date=31 October 2011}}

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, temperatures reached as low as {{Convert|-40|C|F|abbr=}},{{cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2013-12-10%7C2018-05-02&dlyRange=1996-10-01%7C2018-05-02&mlyRange=1996-10-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27174&Prov=MB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=specDate&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=winnipeg&timeframe=2&Day=1&Year=2019&Month=1#|title=Daily Data Report for January 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=January 31, 2019}} the coldest temperature recorded in the city since February 2007, when it reached {{Convert|-42|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2013-12-10%7C2018-05-02&dlyRange=1996-10-01%7C2018-05-02&mlyRange=1996-10-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27174&Prov=MB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=specDate&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2018&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=winnipeg&timeframe=2&Day=1&Year=2007&Month=2|title=Daily Data Report for February 2007 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=January 31, 2019}}

On February 2, the temperature in Yellowknife dropped to {{Convert|-42.9|C|F|abbr=}}{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=2013-01-15%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=2013-01-17%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=51058&Prov=NT&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=2&txtStationName=Yellowknife&timeframe=2&Year=2019|title=Daily Data Report for February 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=2011-10-31|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}} and a wind chill of {{Convert|-53|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web |title=Yellowknife A - Historical Data - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2013-01-15%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=2013-01-17%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=51058&Prov=NT&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=2&txtStationName=Yellowknife&timeframe=1&Year=2019 |website=climate.weather.gc.ca |language=en |date=31 October 2011}}

Environment Canada issued extreme cold warnings for most of Nunavut.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/weather/topstories/extremely-dangerous-cold-weather-grips-prairies-ontario-quebec/ar-BBSWOpM|title='Extremely dangerous' cold weather grips Prairies, Ontario, Quebec|publisher=MSN|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085347/https://www.msn.com/en-ca/weather/topstories/extremely-dangerous-cold-weather-grips-prairies-ontario-quebec/ar-BBSWOpM|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The temperature in Baker Lake dropped to a frigid {{Convert|-41|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-59|C|F|abbr=}}, its lowest recorded wind chill on record.{{cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2016-01-13%7C2019-01-30&dlyRange=2018-10-29%7C2019-01-30&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=54138&Prov=NU&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&Month=1&Day=30&txtStationName=Baker+Lake&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for January 30, 2019 - Climate|work=Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085215/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2016-01-13%7C2019-01-30&dlyRange=2018-10-29%7C2019-01-30&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=54138&Prov=NU&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&searchMethod=contains&Month=1&Day=30&txtStationName=Baker+Lake&timeframe=1&Year=2019 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} On January 25, Shepherd Bay recorded {{Convert|-48.8|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web|title=Daily Data Report for January 2019|publisher=Government of Canada|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=1723&Year=2019&Month=1&Day=1&timeframe=2}}

File:January 2019 Toronto snowstorm.jpg

Ottawa experienced its snowiest January on record with temperatures as low as {{Convert|-25|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-weather-january-29-2019-1.4996675|title=Ottawa logs its snowiest January on record|date=January 29, 2019|publisher=CBC News|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131081500/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-weather-january-29-2019-1.4996675|archive-date=January 31, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Toronto experienced the largest snowstorm in six years with {{Convert|33|cm|in|abbr=}} of snow accumulating at Toronto Pearson International Airport, before dropping to a low of {{Convert|-22.8|C|F|abbr=}}, with a wind chill of {{Convert|-38|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=51459&Month=1&Day=1&Year=2019&timeframe=2&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019|title=Daily Data Report for January 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085024/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2009-12-10%7C2019-01-30&dlyRange=2010-02-02%7C2019-01-30&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=48549&Prov=ON&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=2&searchMethod=contains&Month=1&Day=30&txtStationName=Toronto+City&timeframe=1&Year=2019|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Many local schools and universities cancelled classes due to the weather. At Niagara Falls, the falls were left partially frozen by the extreme temperatures.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/niagara-falls-freezes-over-polar-vortex-frozen-ice-ontario-canada-a8757056.html|last1=Coffey|first1=Helen|title=Niagara Falls Turns Into Winter Wonderland As It Completely Freezes Over|access-date=February 3, 2019|work=The Independent|date=January 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203092355/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/niagara-falls-freezes-over-polar-vortex-frozen-ice-ontario-canada-a8757056.html |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Noseworthy|first1=Kelly|title=Niagara's Frozen Falls|url=https://www.chch.com/niagaras-frozen-falls/|access-date=February 2, 2019|work=CHCH News|date=January 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203052640/https://www.chch.com/niagaras-frozen-falls/ |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On January 31, Windsor reached {{Convert|-24.8|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-40|C|F|abbr=}}. Warming centres were set up in Windsor and Chatham-Kent libraries for homeless people and anyone else affected by the cold.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/extreme-cold-new-record-windsor-essex-1.4998369|title=Extreme cold for region, record low for Windsor|date=January 30, 2019|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131011229/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/extreme-cold-new-record-windsor-essex-1.4998369|archive-date=January 31, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} On the same day, London dropped to {{Convert|-26|C|F|abbr=}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-39|C|F|abbr=}}. Temperatures in St. Catharines dropped to {{Convert|-20|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2014-10-23%7C2019-01-30&dlyRange=2018-10-29%7C2019-01-30&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=53000&Prov=ON&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=2&searchMethod=contains&Month=1&Day=30&txtStationName=St.+Catharines&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for January 30, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085330/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2014-10-23%7C2019-01-30&dlyRange=2018-10-29%7C2019-01-30&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=53000&Prov=ON&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=2&searchMethod=contains&Month=1&Day=30&txtStationName=St.+Catharines&timeframe=1&Year=2019|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-35|C|F|abbr=}},{{cite web|url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/alerts/high-alert/ontario/st-catharines|title=Alerts: St. Catharines, Ontario|website=The Weather Network|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085114/https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/alerts/high-alert/ontario/st-catharines|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} while Port Colborne fell to {{Convert|-18|C|F|abbr=}}{{cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1994-02-01%7C2019-01-30&dlyRange=1992-12-02%7C2019-01-30&mlyRange=2006-04-01%7C2006-12-01&StationID=9005&Prov=ON&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=1&Day=30&txtStationName=Port+Colborne&timeframe=2&Year=2019|title=Daily Data Report for January 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|date=October 31, 2011|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085332/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1994-02-01%7C2019-01-30&dlyRange=1992-12-02%7C2019-01-30&mlyRange=2006-04-01%7C2006-12-01&StationID=9005&Prov=ON&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=1&Day=30&txtStationName=Port+Colborne&timeframe=2&Year=2019|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} with a wind chill of {{Convert|-31|C|F|abbr=}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news-story/9151858-fort-erie-gets-hammered-in-latest-storm-to-hit-niagara/|title=Fort Erie gets 'hammered' in latest storm to hit Niagara|first=Kris|last=Dubé|date=January 30, 2019|website=StCatharinesStandard.ca|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203143712/https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news-story/9151858-fort-erie-gets-hammered-in-latest-storm-to-hit-niagara/|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

File:Glaze on 3000, av Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Québec.jpg

The cold snap in Montreal began with a blizzard where base temperatures reached {{Convert|-15|C|F|abbr=}}. The combination with a single-day {{convert|25|cm|in|0}} snowfall was the coldest snowiest day in nearly a century.{{cite web|url=https://dailyhive.com/montreal/montreal-snowstorm-coldest-century-january-2019|title=This weekend's snowstorm was likely Montreal's coldest in 100 years|first=Tyler|last=Jadah|date=January 21, 2019|website=Daily Hive|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212202/https://dailyhive.com/montreal/montreal-snowstorm-coldest-century-january-2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The Fête des neiges winter festival was cancelled due to the extreme cold for the first time in a decade.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-s-f%C3%AAte-des-neiges-cancelled-due-to-extreme-cold-weather-1.4985741|title=Montreal's Fête des neiges cancelled due to extreme cold weather|publisher=CBC News|date=January 20, 2019 |access-date= February 2, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190126033537/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-s-f%C3%AAte-des-neiges-cancelled-due-to-extreme-cold-weather-1.4985741 |archive-date= January 26, 2019 |url-status= live|df=mdy-all}}

Among those killed by the cold was Hélène Rowley Hotte, the 93-year-old mother of Gilles Duceppe, a former federal opposition leader. She was found outside her seniors' residence after being accidentally locked out following a fire alarm.{{cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/montreal-woman-93-freezes-to-death-outside-seniors-residence|title=Gilles Duceppe's mother freezes to death outside seniors' residence|work=The Gazette|location=Montreal|date=January 22, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212334/https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/montreal-woman-93-freezes-to-death-outside-seniors-residence|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

In Saskatoon temperatures plummeted to as low as {{Convert|-42.6|C|F|abbr=}} with a frigid wind chill of {{Convert|-52|C|F|abbr=}} on February 6.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/hourly_data_e.html?hlyRange=2012-03-20%7C2019-02-06&dlyRange=2018-10-30%7C2019-02-06&mlyRange=%7C&StationID=50091&Prov=SK&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2019&selRowPerPage=25&Line=6&searchMethod=contains&Month=2&Day=6&txtStationName=Saskatoon&timeframe=1&Year=2019|title=Hourly Data Report for February 06, 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=February 11, 2019}}

On February 8, temperatures dropped to {{Convert|-42|C|F|abbr=}} and a wind chill of {{Convert|-47|C|F|abbr=}} in Regina.{{Cite web|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=28011|title=Daily Data Report for February 2019 - Climate - Environment and Climate Change Canada|website=climate.weather.gc.ca|access-date=February 11, 2019}}

The cold continued throughout the rest of February, resulting in one of the coldest Februaries on record there.{{Cite web|url=https://saskatoon.weatherstats.ca/charts/temperature-yearly.html|title=Temperature - Annual data for Saskatoon|website=Amateur Weather Statistics for Saskatoon, Saskatchewan|language=en|access-date=2020-02-12}}{{Cite web|url=https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/by-the-numbers-farewell-february-milder-march-expected-in-saskatoon|title=By the numbers: Farewell February, milder March expected in Saskatoon |publisher=Saskatoon StarPhoenix|date=2019-03-04|language=en|access-date=2020-02-12}}

On February 4, the temperature in Eureka dropped to {{Convert|34|F|C}}, and the city experienced the coldest February 4 in 30 years. On February 5, the temperature dropped to {{Convert|29|F|C}}, also the coldest recorded for that date for 30 years. On February 6, the minimum was {{Convert|36|F|C}}, the coldest temperature recorded for that date since 2005.{{Cite web|url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=eka|title=National Weather Service - NWS Eureka|website=w2.weather.gov|access-date=February 11, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712004649/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=eka|url-status=dead}} In Humboldt County, snow fell on the beaches for the first time in 16 years.[https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/snow-beach-California-sea-level-Eureka-Arcata-13605020.php#photo-16906738 Snow falls at sea level in Northern California, beaches in Humboldt Co. dusted in powder], SFGate, February 4, 2019

On February 4, 2019, in the Bay Area there was {{convert|.1|in|cm}} of snow, with a temperature of {{Convert|31.5|F|C}}. Around the Sierra Nevada Mountain range the temperature there was {{convert|12|F|C}} and {{convert|26|in|cm}} of snow fell between February 4 and February 16. This year had the most significant snowfall in California since 2011.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/weather/slideshow/Photos-from-article-Here-s-where-snowfall-has-189681.php|title=Snowfall around the Bay Area - Snow February 5, 2019|access-date=}}

In Downtown Los Angeles, the temperature never reached {{Convert|70|F|C}} the entire month of February, the first ever occurrence in 142 years of record-keeping.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-cold-february-20190228-story.html|title=A February to remembrrr in L.A.: It never even reached 70 degrees|website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=March 24, 2019}} On February 22, snow was reported in the lower elevations West Hollywood, Eagle Rock and Pasadena within the urban areas of Los Angeles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/bit-snow-los-angeles-suddenly-it-s-snowmaggedon-n974306|title=A bit of snow in Los Angeles, and suddenly it's #snowmaggedon|website=NBC News |access-date=March 24, 2019}}

Across the state, the persistent cold and heavy rains were beneficial in eliminating drought conditions in California for the first time since 2011.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/california-drought/california-drought-officially-over-after-more-seven-years-n983461|title=California drought officially over after more than seven years|website=NBC News |access-date=March 24, 2019}}

In the early morning of January 31, 2019, Washington, D.C., as measured at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, reached {{convert|10|F|C|0}}.Streit, David (January 31, 2019). "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2019/01/31/dc-area-forecast-bitter-arctic-air-today-with-snow-showers-possible-tomorrow/?noredirect=on D.C.-area forecast: Bitter arctic air today with snow showers possible tomorrow]". The Washington Post. The wind chill reached {{convert|−3|F|C|0}}. Nearby Washington Dulles International Airport reached an air temperature of {{convert|−2|F|C|0}}, the coldest reading since another cold spell in February 2015.{{cite web |url = http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=lwx |title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date = 2018-02-27}}

File:Chicago Beach Keeps Locals Warm During Polar Vortex.webm.]]

File:EdTeuneFrozenChicagoRiverFeb1-2019 (2).jpg

In the Chicago area, temperatures plummeted as low as {{convert|−23|F|C}} at O'Hare International Airport on January 30, with a windchill of {{convert|-52|F|C}}. Chicago's Northerly Island recorded temperatures as low as {{convert|−21|F|C}} and Chicago's Midway International Airport recorded a temperature of {{convert|−22|F|C}}; O'Hare's maximum of {{convert|−10|F|C}} that day was a daily record and also only {{convert|1|F-change}} higher than Chicago's official record cold maximum set on January 18, 1994, and December 24, 1983.{{Cite news|url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=lot|title=NOWDATA - NOAA Online Weather Data|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=2019-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110040544/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=lot|archive-date=November 10, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Chicago also reached record lows on January 31, with a temperature of {{convert|−21|F|C}} and a windchill of {{convert|-41|F|C}}.

Rockford reached an all-time record low of {{convert|-31|F|C}}, shattering the old record of {{convert|-27|F|C}} from 1982. Moline in the Quad Cities reached an all-time record low of {{convert|-33|F|C}}. In Mount Carroll, a temperature of {{convert|-38|F|C}} was recorded on January 30. Now verified, this is the all-time lowest temperature in the state of Illinois.{{Cite web|url=https://wqad.com/2019/03/07/jan-31-2019-officially-beats-illinois-20-year-old-state-low-tempurature/|title=Jan. 31, 2019 officially beats Illinois 20-year-old state low {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|tempurature}}|date=2019-03-07|website=WQAD.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-16}}{{cite web|last1=Malagon|first1=Elvia|title=Did the polar vortex help set new record low temperature for Illinois?|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/weather/ct-met-polar-vortex-illinois-record-low-20190131-story.html|work=Chicago Tribune|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201212257/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/weather/ct-met-polar-vortex-illinois-record-low-20190131-story.html |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Several people died in Chicago due to the cold.{{cite news |last1=Czaja |first1=Thomas |title=4th Chicago death attributed to bitter cold snap |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2-cold-deaths-reported-cook-county-upping-total-to-25-since-start-season/ |access-date=8 February 2019 |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |date=2 February 2019}} The cold wave resulted in 1,444 flights being cancelled at O'Hare, and 254 flights being cancelled at Midway.[https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/flight-cancellations-ohare-midway-chicago-cold/6553/ More Than 1,600 Flights Canceled at Chicago Airports As Dangerous Cold Continues], NBC Chicago, January 31, 2019

Temperatures in Indianapolis plummeted as low as {{convert|-11|F|C}} on January 30, tying the record low, with a wind chill of {{convert|-41|F|C}}.{{cite web|title=Cold Temperatures of January 30–31, 2019|url=https://www.weather.gov/ind/jan2019cold|website=National Weather Service|access-date=4 February 2019}} Kokomo recorded a wind chill of {{convert|-49|F|C}} while Evansville recorded wind chills as low as {{convert|-19|F|C}}.{{cite web|title=Public Information Statement|url=https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=PAH&issuedby=PAH&product=PNS&format=CI&version=2&glossary=0|website=National Weather Service|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122064332/http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=PAH&issuedby=PAH&product=PNS&format=CI&version=2&glossary=0|archive-date=January 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Hundreds of schools and businesses closed and the United States Postal Service suspended delivery service on Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday, January 31.{{cite news|title=The impact of the frigid cold, snowstorm, by the numbers|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/state/the-impact-of-the-frigid-cold-snowstorm-by-the-numbers/article_9d1c97ca-24c5-11e9-83d8-f70864f893de.html|access-date=4 February 2019|work=The Oakland Press|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015928/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/state/the-impact-of-the-frigid-cold-snowstorm-by-the-numbers/article_9d1c97ca-24c5-11e9-83d8-f70864f893de.html|url-status=dead}}

Temperatures in South Bend plummeted as low as {{convert|-20|F|C}},{{cite news|last1=Fosmoe|first1=Margaret|title=South Bend sets record for Jan. 30 but doesn't break all-time record...yet|url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-sets-record-for-jan-but-doesn-t-break/article_c7744cb4-a247-5c9f-b173-4e45fa17c01f.html|access-date=4 February 2019|work=South Bend Tribune|date=31 January 2019}} and all classes at the University of Notre Dame were cancelled. Other major universities in the state, such as Indiana University, Purdue University and Ball State University, also cancelled all classes.{{cite news|title=IPS and universities close for Wednesday due to dangerous cold|url=https://www.wthr.com/article/ips-and-universities-close-wednesday-due-dangerous-cold|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180149/https://www.wthr.com/article/ips-and-universities-close-wednesday-due-dangerous-cold|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2019|access-date=7 February 2019|publisher=WTHR|date=30 January 2019}}

Temperatures broke records, with the coldest temperature ever recorded at {{convert|-30|F|C}} on January 31, 2019. Wind chills got dangerously low as {{convert|-58|F|C}} on January 30, 2019.

Most universities closed, including Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and the University of Iowa.

University of Iowa student Gerald Belz died after being found unresponsive near Halsey Hall.{{cite web|url=https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/education/university-of-iowa/2019/01/30/university-iowa-student-believed-have-died-due-extreme-weather/2723808002/|title=University of Iowa student dies after being found unresponsive during polar vortex|website=Iowa City Press-Citizen}}

After windchill temperatures were predicted to plunge to between {{Convert|10|F|C|abbr=}} to {{Convert|20|F|C|abbr=}}, many Kentucky schools closed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/weather/local/winter/2019/01/28/polar-vortex-2019-affect-louisville-kentucky/2702488002/|title=Will the polar vortex affect Louisville? Here's what to know|last=Novelly|first=Thomas|date=28 January 2019|website=The Courier-Journal|language=en|access-date=2019-02-08}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thisisinsider.com/kentucky-gov-matt-bevin-criticized-school-canceled-polar-vortex-2019-1|title=The Kentucky governor criticized schools for closing down during the polar vortex: 'We're getting soft'|last=Heller|first=Susanna|website=Insider|access-date=2019-02-08}}

Two brothers in Boone County, Obie (72) and Roy Fugate (67), died in their driveway outside of their home due to the cold after their truck was stuck in the mud.{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/human-interest/fugate-brothers-dead-cold-kentucky/|title=Two Brothers Found Dead of Hypothermia Outside Kentucky Home: They 'Froze to Death'|last=Adams|first=Char|date=5 February 2019|website=people.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-08}}

On January 28, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency due to the record low windchill temperatures.[https://www.wilx.com/content/news/Gov-Whitmer-declares-state-of-emergency-in-Michigan--505006832.html Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency in Michigan ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130000330/https://www.wilx.com/content/news/Gov-Whitmer-declares-state-of-emergency-in-Michigan--505006832.html |date=January 30, 2019 }} WILX, January 28, 2019 Three people died due to the extremely low temperatures in Michigan: one in Detroit, another in Ecorse, and a third in East Lansing.{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2019-01-30/extreme-cold-from-polar-vortex-kills-3-in-wisconsin-michigan|work=U.S. News & World Report|title=Extreme Cold From Polar Vortex Kills 3 in Wisconsin, Michigan|date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131205304/https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2019-01-30/extreme-cold-from-polar-vortex-kills-3-in-wisconsin-michigan|archive-date=January 31, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}[https://www.wnem.com/news/east-lansing-man-found-dead-outdoors-in-extreme-cold/article_7a76c844-2574-11e9-9ae1-d75c3578041b.html East Lansing man found dead outdoors in extreme cold] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131202605/https://www.wnem.com/news/east-lansing-man-found-dead-outdoors-in-extreme-cold/article_7a76c844-2574-11e9-9ae1-d75c3578041b.html |date=January 31, 2019 }} WNEM-TV, January 31, 2019

On January 31, the city of Flint recorded a low temperature of {{convert|−14|F|C}}, breaking the record for that date of {{convert|-8|F|C}}, set in 1963. The previous day's maximum temperature of {{convert|2|F|C}} broke the record cold maximum of {{convert|8|F|C}} set in 1951.[https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2019/01/flint-breaks-cold-weather-record-set-in-1963.html Flint breaks cold weather record set in 1963] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131203644/https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2019/01/flint-breaks-cold-weather-record-set-in-1963.html |date=January 31, 2019 }} The Flint Journal via MLive.com, January 31, 2019 In Metro Detroit on January 31, temperatures were between {{convert|−5|F|C}} to {{convert|−15|F|C}} with windchill values between {{convert|−20|F|C}} and {{convert|−40|F|C}}.[https://www.clickondetroit.com/weather/dangerous-cold-continues-in-metro-detroit-wind-chills-at-30-degrees-and-below Dangerous cold continues in Metro Detroit: Wind chills at −30 degrees and below] WDIV, January 31, 2019 The community named Hell in Livingston County was declared to be frozen over on January 31.[https://www.wnem.com/news/hell-mi-has-frozen-over/article_423f1d98-255e-11e9-8d28-4b89b94f0f70.html Hell (MI) has frozen over] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131201740/https://www.wnem.com/news/hell-mi-has-frozen-over/article_423f1d98-255e-11e9-8d28-4b89b94f0f70.html |date=January 31, 2019 }} WNEM-TV, January 31, 2019

Whitmer and Consumers Energy asked residents to turn down their thermostats to {{convert|65|F|C}} until midnight ET on February 1, after a fire at the compressor station in Macomb County on January 30 due to extra gas usage during the cold wave, to avoid "heat interruptions".[https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/01/you-can-turn-your-heat-back-up-after-midnight-consumers-energy-says.html You can turn your heat back up after midnight, Consumers Energy says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201025609/https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/01/you-can-turn-your-heat-back-up-after-midnight-consumers-energy-says.html |date=February 1, 2019 }} MLive.com, January 31, 2019[https://nbc25news.com/news/local/consumers-energy-apologizes-for-equipment-failure-thanks-residents-for-turning-down-heat Consumers Energy apologizes for equipment failure, thanks residents for turning down heat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131224951/https://nbc25news.com/news/local/consumers-energy-apologizes-for-equipment-failure-thanks-residents-for-turning-down-heat |date=January 31, 2019 }} WEYI-TV, January 31, 2019

The United States Postal Service suspended mail delivery on January 30 and 31 for most of Michigan.[https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Mail-delivery-resumes-after-weather-related-State-of-Emergency--505192471.html Mail delivery resumes after weather-related State of Emergency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201211823/https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Mail-delivery-resumes-after-weather-related-State-of-Emergency--505192471.html |date=February 1, 2019 }} WJRT-TV, February 1, 2019

Hundreds of Michigan schools and businesses were closed for the entire week.[https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Some-Mid-Michigan-students-getting-full-week-off-as-schools-close-for-Friday-505146161.html Some Mid-Michigan students get fifth day off amid record cold temperatures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095133/https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Some-Mid-Michigan-students-getting-full-week-off-as-schools-close-for-Friday-505146161.html |date=February 2, 2019 }} WJRT-TV, February 1, 2019

The town of Cotton (near Duluth) was the coldest location in the country with a low of {{convert|−56|F|C}} on January 30, {{convert|4|F-change}} shy of the all-time state record low in Minnesota.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2019/01/30/chicago-faces-its-coldest-day-record-midwest-plunges-into-deep-freeze/?noredirect=on Midwest temperatures ‘could approach all-time record values’ Wednesday night] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065359/https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2019/01/30/chicago-faces-its-coldest-day-record-midwest-plunges-into-deep-freeze/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.87d9bff71417 |date=February 1, 2019 }} The Washington Post, January 30, 2019 The coldest wind chill was {{convert|−66|F|C}} recorded at Ponsford.{{cite web|url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/heres-a-list-of-the-coldest-wind-chills-in-minnesota-so-far|title=Here's a list of the coldest wind chills in Minnesota so far|first=Joe|last=Nelson|website=Bring Me The News|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130212721/https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/heres-a-list-of-the-coldest-wind-chills-in-minnesota-so-far|archive-date=January 30, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On January 30, Minneapolis recorded a minimum temperature of {{convert|−28|F|C}}

{{cite web

|url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mpx

|title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|access-date = 2019-02-08}} with a windchill of {{convert|−49|F|C}}, the coldest since 1996.[https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/us/weather-polar-vortex.html Polar Vortex Live Updates: Bitter Cold Weather Spreads East] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131203618/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/us/weather-polar-vortex.html |date=January 31, 2019 }} The New York Times, January 31, 2019

On January 29, at 10:30 p.m., about 150 homes in the Princeton area, about an hour north of Minneapolis, lost natural gas service. As a result, Xcel Energy resorted to asking over 400,000 customers to turn their thermostats down to {{convert|63|F|C}} to conserve natural gas through Thursday.{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/index.php/deep-freeze-brings-natural-gas-shortage-frostbite-to-minnesota/505074202/|title=With deep freeze still on, Minnesota utility asks customers to turn down thermostats|first1=Mary Lynn|last1=Smith|first2=Mike|last2=Hughlett|first3=John|last3=Reinan|date=January 31, 2019|website=Star Tribune}}

Montana saw some of the worst effects from the cold wave, which lingered into early March.[https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2019-03-12/montana-makes-national-records-with-dangerously-cold-winter Montana’s Dangerously Cold Winter Sets Records], US News, March 12, 2019 The cold front in Montana didn’t hit until February 2, with highs of {{convert|55|F|C}} in Great Falls. That would be the last high above freezing for Great Falls for 32 days. The average temperature in Great Falls was {{convert|-0.20|F|C}}, the second coldest February on record.[https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2019/03/05/31-days-freezing-and-counting-cold-spell-ages/3066544002/ Great Falls breaks record for consecutive freezing days], Great Falls Tribune, March 5, 2019 The state ultimately saw their second coldest February on record.

On March 3, Elk Park Pass hit {{convert|-46|F|C}}, setting a statewide low temperature record for March.[https://www.kulr8.com/news/montana/national-weather-experts-say-montana-just-endured-life-threatening-historic/article_786091e7-2e9b-5715-8466-b285febe0078.html National weather experts say Montana just endured "life-threatening" historic cold snap], WLUR, March 11, 2019 On March 3, Great Falls tied a monthly record low of {{convert|-32|F|C}}.[https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2019/03/03/good-morning-great-falls-its-32-below/3049540002/ 32 below in Great Falls shatters cold record], Great Falls Tribune, March 3, 2019

In New York City, the temperature on January 31 reached {{convert|2|F|C}} with a windchill of {{convert|-17|F|C}}. The temperature at noon was still only {{convert|10|F|C}}. The high was only {{convert|16|F|C}}.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/nyregion/newyorktoday/ny-cold-weather.html | title=N.Y. Today: Brutally Cold Weather | newspaper=The New York Times | date=31 January 2019 | last1=Paybarah | first1=Azi | last2=Newman | first2=Andy }} This tied a record cold high for the day.[https://www.weathergamut.com/2019/01/31/arctic-blast-brings-record-cold-to-nyc/record-cold-day-in-nyc-jan-31-2019/ Arctic Blast Brings Record Cold To NYC], The Weather Gamut, January 31, 2019 Islip, New York set a record low on the morning of January 31 at {{convert|-3|F|C}}.[https://www.france24.com/en/20190201-polar-vortex-hits-usa-northeast-more-deaths-blamed-extreme-cold Polar vortex hits US northeast as more deaths blamed on extreme cold], France24, February 1, 2019

In Williamsville (near Buffalo), a locally well-known homeless man, Lawrence "Larry" Bierl, was found frozen to death in a bus shelter on the morning of January 31.[https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/31/man-found-dead-in-amherst-bus-shelter/ Death of well-known homeless man appears weather related] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131202047/https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/31/man-found-dead-in-amherst-bus-shelter/ |date=January 31, 2019 }} The Buffalo News, January 31, 2019 The wind chill that previous night was {{convert|-25|F|C}}.[https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/31/windchill-warning-in-effect-as-bitter-dangerous-cold-persists/ Wind chill warning in effect as bitter, dangerous cold persists] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131205347/https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/31/windchill-warning-in-effect-as-bitter-dangerous-cold-persists/ |date=January 31, 2019 }} The Buffalo News, January 31, 2019

Following a January 27 electrical fire at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn, over 1,600 inmates were held with little or no heat or electricity until power was restored on February 3.{{cite web|last1=Nessen|first1=Stephen|title=Power Restored To Brooklyn Jail Where Inmates Went A Week Without Heat|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/02/04/691260314/power-restored-to-brooklyn-jail-where-inmates-went-a-week-without-heat|publisher=NPR|access-date=February 4, 2019|date=February 4, 2019}} Numerous inmates reported ill health and were seen banging on windows for help. Activists and some New York officials became involved in seeking to improve conditions.{{cite news|last1=Rosenblatt|first1=Kalhan|title=Outrage grows over reports of Brooklyn prison with little heat, electricity during frigid week|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/outrage-grows-over-reports-brooklyn-prison-little-heat-electricity-during-n966186|access-date=February 3, 2019|publisher=NBC News|date=February 2, 2019}}{{cite web|last1=Correal|first1=Annie|title=No Heat for Days at a Jail in Brooklyn Where Hundreds of Inmates Are Sick and 'Frantic'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/01/nyregion/mdc-brooklyn-jail-heat.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=February 4, 2019|date=February 1, 2019}} Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on February 4 that the United States Department of Justice would be investigating the outage.{{cite news|last1=Arnold|first1=Chad|title=Justice Department to investigate federal prison in NY after weeklong power outage|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/02/04/brooklyn-metropolitan-detention-center-power-outage/2769731002/|access-date=6 February 2019|work=USA Today|date=February 5, 2019}}

Grand Forks experienced a windchill value of {{Convert|-65|F|C}}. The cold wave made February 2019 the second coldest February in North Dakota.[https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/national/201902 February 2019 National Climate Report], NOAA

A snowstorm on February 3–4 brought {{convert|0.5 to 4|in|cm}} of snow to parts of Western Washington, including the Puget Sound region, after a winter without measurable snowfall. It was caused by cold air arriving from the north alongside a low-pressure system, dropping temperatures to the 30s and 40s. The snowstorm caused minor disruptions, including school releases and flight cancellations at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.{{cite news |last1=Clarridge |first1=Christine |last2=Groover |first2=Heidi |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Seattle's first snow of the year wreaks havoc on traffic, cancels schools and flights |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weather/winter-weather-returns-bringing-snow-south-through-region-sunday/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 8, 2019}} Daytime temperatures continued to drop throughout the week, reaching as low as {{convert|19|F|C}} and causing black ice to form on roads.{{cite news |last=Fields |first=Asia |date=February 5, 2019 |title=Seattle-area schools delay classes as ice lingers; officials warn 'this is just round one' |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/while-road-conditions-in-some-of-seattle-have-improved-officials-warn-this-is-just-round-one/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 8, 2019}}

A second snowstorm struck the Seattle area and Western Washington on February 8, bringing {{convert|4 to 8|in|cm}} of snow that triggered a state of emergency from Governor Jay Inslee. The storm disrupted numerous services and caused shortages of supplies at grocery stores. At least one person died as a result of exposure.{{cite news |last=Fields |first=Asia |date=February 8, 2019 |title=Snowstorm hits Seattle region as governor declares state of emergency |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weather/snowstorm-hammers-seattle-region-as-governor-declares-state-of-emergency/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=February 8, 2019}} The rare intensity of the snowstorm has been described as the strongest that Seattle had seen in over a decade and crippled the city.{{cite news |last=Rice |first=Doyle |date=February 8, 2019 |title='Brutal winter weather': Snowstorm to paste Seattle for second time this week |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/02/08/seattle-snowstorm-rare-winter-blast-paste-pacific-northwest/2810575002/ |work=USA Today |access-date=February 8, 2019}}{{cite news |date=February 8, 2019 |title=Washington governor declares state of emergency as state braces for its 2nd snowstorm this week |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/08/us/seattle-snow-weather-friday-wxc/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=February 8, 2019}} The snowstorm continued for the next 3 days, with {{convert|1.5|in|cm}} falling on the 9th, {{convert|3.5|in|cm}} on the 10th, and {{convert|6.1|in|cm}} on the 11th, before the snow turned to rain after that, for a total of {{convert|17.5|in|cm}} of snow over a 4-day period. This was the most snow that the Seattle area had seen over a 4-day period since 1969.{{Cite tweet |user=NWSSeattle |number=1623319067032707072 |title=The 17.5" between the 8th & 11th was the highest 4 day snow total since 1969.}}

On January 28, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency due to the record low windchill temperatures.[https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2019/01/28/wisconsin-snowstorm-milwaukee-wakes-up-blizzard-like-conditions/2698625002/ Road conditions deteriorating rapidly as Evers declares a state of emergency and frigid temperatures move in] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129152758/https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2019/01/28/wisconsin-snowstorm-milwaukee-wakes-up-blizzard-like-conditions/2698625002/ |date=January 29, 2019 }} Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 28, 2019

A 55-year-old man froze to death in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee reached record lows on January 31, with a temperature of {{convert|-21|F|C}} and a windchill of {{convert|-40|F|C}}, with some suburbs reaching as low as {{convert|-30|F|C}} and a windchill of {{convert|-50|F|C}}.

{{commons}}

• 2017–18 North American cold wave
• 2018–19 North American winter
• 2019–20 North American winter
• Early 2014 North American cold wave
• February 2021 North American cold wave

{{reflist}}

{{cold wave}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:January–February 2019 North American cold wave}}

Category:2018–19 North American winter

Category:2019 in Illinois

Category:2019 in Manitoba

Category:2019 in Michigan

Category:2019 in Minnesota

Category:2019 in New York (state)

Category:2019 in North Dakota

Category:2019 in Ontario

Category:2019 in Quebec

Category:2019 in Wisconsin

Category:2010s cold waves

Category:2019 meteorology

Category:2019 natural disasters

Category:Cold waves in Canada

Category:Cold waves in the United States

Category:January 2019 in North America