CHICAGO (AP) -- Blame Canada. Forecasters say an Arctic air mass north of the border has spilled into the lower 48, putting much of the country in a deep freeze.
Temperatures in the upper Midwest are expected to be the coldest in years Friday.
Forecasters say it'll be Sunday before northern Maine sees temperatures climb above zero.
The freezing temperatures may also have contributed to at least three deaths, and in one case alcohol may have been involved.
Alaska, a state accustomed to frigid conditions, has warmed up, with temperatures topping out in the mid-40s in Fairbanks.
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