Arctic blast for central U.S.

Dozens of long-standing record lows will be at risk this week as dangerous cold dips as far south as the Gulf Coast.

You'll want to keep a close eye on the TemperatureRadar this week as arctic air surges south. Bitter cold will engulf the central states through Friday, where temperatures will be 20 to 50 degrees below average.

Dangerous cold will be an issue across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest overnight and tomorrow morning. Bismarck, N.D., will fall to a frigid -35°F by Tuesday morning.

By mid-week, the cold pushes south toward the Gulf Coast. Record lows will be possible in cities like Amarillo, Texas, Kansas City, North Platte, Neb., and Rapid City, S.D., on Wednesday morning.

By Thursday, numerous record lows are in danger from the northern Plains to the Gulf Coast. You'll also want to keep an eye on the WindRadar and the "feels like" temperatures. Any wind will make the dangerous cold feel even colder!