A potent arctic air mass is driving dangerously cold conditions across much of the eastern United States, reaching near peak intensity on Saturday and expected to persist into early Sunday as gusty north winds deliver frigid wind chills that could pose health risks.

The National Weather Service and local forecasting offices report that Saturday and Sunday’s early morning lows combined with brisk winds will make the cold feel far more severe than the actual thermometer readings, prompting ongoing cold weather advisories from the Northeast down through the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Southeast.

Wind chill values are forecast to drop into the single digits or below zero in some areas, making prolonged outdoor exposure hazardous and increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for those unprepared for the frigid conditions.

The surge of arctic air follows a series of winter storms that have already brought significant snow, ice and disruptions to wide regions of the country, contributing to millions of Americans being under cold weather warnings and advisories over the past week.

Forecast discussions indicate that while air temperatures may moderate slightly by mid-week, strong north winds will continue to exacerbate the felt cold into Sunday afternoon, with the potential for some coastal storms to bring additional wintry precipitation in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and southern Appalachians.

Residents are urged to bundle up, limit time outdoors in sub-freezing conditions and stay informed of updated forecasts as this prolonged episode of bitter cold unfolds across the region.