Connecticut Sees Record Low Temperatures Friday Morning

Connecticut woke up to a sharp taste of mid-winter early Friday. An arctic cold front shoved frigid air into the state and shattered a long-standing temperature record along the coast.

From Bridgeport to Hartford, and New Haven to Norwich, folks bundled up against a biting chill. This cold snap arrived unusually early for December and looks like it might hang around into the weekend.

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Record-Breaking Cold Grips Connecticut

The big headline Friday came from the shoreline. Bridgeport hit a low of just 15 degrees, breaking the old early December record of 17 set way back in 1989.

For longtime residents along Long Island Sound, it honestly felt more like late January than the start of December. Not exactly the kind of morning anyone hoped for.

Across the rest of the state, temperatures didn’t offer much comfort either. Most towns woke up to readings in the low double digits.

Even the typically milder shoreline spots like New Haven and Stamford barely crawled into the mid-30s by mid-afternoon. Winter’s making itself known, that’s for sure.

North vs. South: A Statewide Chill

The shoreline struggled to reach the 30s, but northern and interior Connecticut faced even tougher conditions. Residents in Hartford, Torrington, and Enfield started the day with thermometers stuck in the teens and low 20s.

Light winds swept across the state, adding a subtle but sharp bite. In the north, the wind chill made the morning air feel like it was in the teens and 20s—honestly, more like mid-winter.

Sunny Skies, But Little Relief From the Cold

Despite the bitter temperatures, the day had a little visual brightness. Forecasters called for mostly sunny skies through much of Friday, which gave places from Waterbury to Norwich a bright—if brisk—afternoon.

But the clear skies weren’t sticking around. Clouds were moving in from the west by late afternoon and into the evening, setting up a shift in the weather pattern for the weekend.

No Advisories, But Caution Still Urged

As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service hadn’t issued any advisories, watches, or warnings for Connecticut. Still, with the record cold and early-season chill, forecasters urged folks to stay alert and dress for the weather.

From Danbury to Norwalk, state and local officials usually recommend winter weather precautions even if there aren’t formal advisories. When temperatures drop this quickly, this early, it’s better to play it safe.

Weekend Warm-Up: Only Slightly Less Cold

Looking ahead, temperatures should moderate a bit on Saturday. Highs are forecast to reach the upper 30s to low 40s across much of Connecticut, including Hartford, New London, and Meriden.

For folks used to December’s usual roller-coaster of cool and mild days, this weekend’s rebound will feel like a tiny step away from the deep freeze. It’s not exactly a break from winter’s grip, but maybe just enough to catch your breath.

Chance of Wintry Mix Friday Night Into Saturday

Forecasters are keeping an eye on a slight chance of wintry precipitation Friday night into Saturday morning. The exact impacts? Well, that’s going to depend a lot on where you are:

Along the coast, including Bridgeport, New Haven, and Stamford, a mix of rain and wet snow could show up.
Farther inland—especially in higher and northern areas—snow looks more likely to dominate.
Untreated roads could get slick if temperatures dip below freezing during or after any precipitation.

Residents in Middletown, Manchester, and Bristol should keep an eye on the late-evening forecasts. If you’re heading out early Saturday, be ready for possibly slow travel.

An Unusually Early and Intense December Chill

This cold snap isn’t just about Bridgeport’s record-breaking number. It feels unusually early and intense for December in southern New England.

Usually, Connecticut’s most stubborn cold snaps don’t show up until later in the month or even January. This week’s arctic front rushed things, pushing everyone into winter mode before they were ready.

Forecasters want people across Connecticut to brace for more cold and some mixed precipitation this weekend. It’s a good time to check heating systems and protect pipes that might freeze.

Don’t forget about elderly neighbors, especially in places like Hartford and New Haven. They might need a hand to stay safe and warm.

Here is the source article for this story: Frigid temperatures break record in Connecticut Friday morning

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