Over 1 million Americans face extreme cold warnings across Midwest, West

Severe winter weather is impacting a large portion of the United States, particularly Eastern Montana and the Dakotas, where over a million people are under extreme cold warnings, with wind chills potentially reaching 55 degrees below zero. The National Weather Service has cautioned that such extreme conditions could lead to frostbite within minutes, while additional winter storm warnings affect 18 million people across several states, including Kansas and Missouri. As these cold fronts move eastward, two major storms are expected to bring significant snow and ice to the Midwest and Eastern regions, including the nation's capital. Meanwhile, in the UK, a cold weather alert remains in effect for several regions, with temperatures plunging to -6C and possible impacts on health services due to increased demand from vulnerable populations. The Met Office predicts that cold and grey weather will persist, with rain and sleet expected in many areas, and snow likely only in higher elevations. Overall, the notable cold spells and winter storms are causing widespread disruptions and health alerts in both the US and UK.