FX.co ★ US Natgas Prices Surge 17% on Arctic Blast

U.S. natural gas futures experienced a significant surge, rising over 17% to $3.65 per MMBtu. This follows a 13-week low of $3.10 observed last week and is attributed to a powerful Arctic outbreak sweeping across the nation. The market quickly adjusted its pricing in response to a sudden shift from a mild weather forecast to severe cold conditions, anticipating a substantial rise in fuel consumption as Americans brace for the Arctic chill. Weather projections indicate the Midwest and East Coast will encounter extremely cold temperatures from late January into early February. An upper-level low situated over Hudson Bay is directing Arctic air southward, causing temperatures to plummet 15°F to 30°F below average. Over 200 million Americans are expected to endure freezing conditions, with places like Minnesota experiencing wind chills of -30°F. This dramatic decrease in temperature is likely to trigger a sharp increase in demand for residential and commercial heating, along with higher electricity generation requirements. In the meantime, production levels remain high, while LNG export flows are seeing a slight decline.