A wave of Arctic air is poised to engulf dozens of states later this week, potentially bringing the coldest temperatures of the winter to the central and eastern United States. Some areas could experience temperatures plummeting to as low as -50°F, with dangerously low wind chills significantly increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. This frigid air mass is expected to extend as far south as Texas and reach the East Coast by the weekend, driving up energy demand and increasing the potential for frozen pipes and widespread power outages.