Polar Vortex Alert: Discover Which Areas Will Face Freezing Temperatures

Frigid temperatures are poised to impact a significant portion of the central and eastern United States in the coming weeks. A polar vortex is set to bring three distinct blasts of Arctic air, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.

Polar Vortex Forecast: Areas Affected by Freezing Temperatures

The first polar vortex surge is expected this month, with two additional cold fronts predicted in the following weeks. Paul Pastelok, a lead long-range meteorologist at AccuWeather, has indicated that these Arctic air waves will trigger fluctuating energy demands across the affected regions.

Cold Weather Patterns and Expected Conditions

The Upper Midwest and Northern Plains are already experiencing extreme temperatures from Canada. Starting on Thursday, December 4, wind chills are projected to plummet to between -10°F and -25°F. The biting cold is expected to linger into Friday, December 5, affecting many eastern states.

• Thursday, December 4: Wind chills between -10°F to -25°F.
• Friday, December 5: Continued cold conditions in the eastern U.S.

As the Arctic air descends southward, it may bring light flurries, snow showers, and heavier snow squalls across the Great Lakes and into the northern Appalachians.

Understanding the Polar Vortex

The polar vortex is a large, circular upper-atmospheric system that maintains cold temperatures around the North Pole. Typically, it remains stable; however, fragments can drift southward during winter, resulting in severe cold spells in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The strong jet stream usually keeps this weather system contained. When it weakens, cold air spills into lower latitudes, leading to extreme weather.

Wind Chill and Frostbite Risk

As temperatures drop, the risk of frostbite significantly increases. The National Weather Service (NWS) uses advanced computer modeling to assess wind chill. This index helps calculate the perceived temperature based on actual temperature and wind speed, which is crucial for understanding the dangers of extreme cold.

This table illustrates how wind speed can lower the feel of temperature, increasing the risk of frostbite. Awareness of these conditions is vital for safety as the polar vortex continues to influence weather patterns across the nation.