Arctic Blast: Polar Vortex to Freeze U.S. with Extreme Cold from North to South

Arctic Blast Polar Vortex to Freeze U.S. with Extreme Cold from North to South

Arctic Blast: Polar Vortex to Freeze U.S. with Extreme Cold from North to South

As we find ourselves deep into the winter months, most of the U.S. is already experiencing chilly temperatures. However, a much harsher cold front is approaching, one that could drastically alter the weather for nearly 300 million Americans. This extreme weather event is courtesy of the polar vortex—a massive cold air system from Siberia, which is set to dip into lower latitudes. The polar vortex is expected to send an arctic blast that will freeze large portions of the U.S., reaching even as far as the Deep South.

The polar vortex is essentially a vast region of low pressure and cold air that usually spins around the North and South Poles. However, when the jet stream weakens during winter months, this frigid air can spill southward, impacting areas far beyond its typical range. According to the latest forecasts, this arctic chill is set to begin sweeping across the U.S. starting this weekend.

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By Saturday, the northern tier of the U.S. will feel the initial impact, with temperatures plummeting to single digits. The wind chill factor will be even worse, reaching negative teens in some areas. Expect the cold front to bring temperatures that are 20 to 25 degrees below the seasonal average for this time of year. But that’s just the beginning.

On Sunday, the chill intensifies as the cold air spreads to the Central Plains. For some, temperatures will drop into the teens, and the wind chill could reach negative 20s in the Northern Plains. With the bitter cold, even the Central Plains will face wind chills in the single digits. If you're planning to attend NFL playoff games, be prepared for dangerously low conditions.

By Monday, the polar vortex will have spread its icy grip as far south as the Deep South, with cities like Atlanta expecting temperatures to dip to freezing. Wind chills in the 20s will make it feel even colder. Some areas across the Rockies, Plains, and Midwest could struggle to get above single-digit highs. In fact, up to 19 records for coldest high temperatures are predicted to be broken across the region.

As if the cold wasn’t enough, Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., on January 20th, will be one of the coldest in recent memory. With temperatures in the low 20s and wind chills in the single digits, the ceremony has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The last time D.C. saw such frigid temperatures during an inauguration was in 1985, when President Reagan’s second swearing-in ceremony had to be moved indoors due to a bitter 7-degree chill.

So, with this intense cold sweeping across the nation, it's crucial to take extra precautions. The extreme temperatures will affect millions, and it’s important to stay updated on forecasts, protect your home from freezing, and stay safe during these dangerous conditions.

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