Frigid temperatures blast the Midwest and the Northeast with coldest weather yet

Bitter cold is taking hold across the United States on Thursday, with millions waking up to freezing temperatures and in some areas, subzero wind chills.

Bitter cold is taking hold across the United States on Thursday, with millions waking up to freezing temperatures and in some areas, subzero wind chills.

The blast of frigid temperatures follows days of snowy, icy conditions across much of the country. It's bringing the coldest air of the season so far to the Midwest and the Northeast.

About 10 record lows are possible Thursday morning and 20 are likely Friday morning.

In Indiana, the cold has already forced a major Christmas market to shut down for the day. Upstate New York faced lake-effect snow and thunder Wednesday night, setting the stage for freezing temperatures Thursday.

A pedestrian walks on a snow-covered sidewalk Tuesday in Northbrook, Ill.Nam Y. Huh / APThousands in New York City bundled up to brave dropping temperatures as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit, ushering in the holiday season Wednesday night.