What is causing the extreme temperatures?

With one of the highest numbers of weather warnings ever issued, the US government forecasting office has called the extreme cold weather a "once in a lifetime" event.

According to the National Weather Service, a "immense winter storm" from the Arctic is to blame for the low temperatures.

In several parts of the country, this strong front has caused temperatures to rapidly drop by 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

And there will be a lot of snow in the Midwest and Great Lakes region due to a low pressure system near the Arctic front.

According to the NWS, several locations might experience record-low temperatures and dangerously high wind chill.