What is the polar vortex?
The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles.
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Weather / Cold Weather
Polar Vortex to Bring Coldest Air of the Winter to the Northeast
The Northeastern United States is bracing for what's predicted to be the coldest air of the entire winter season, thanks to a lobe of the polar vortex descending southward. This Arctic outbreak is expected to bring dangerously low temperatu...
Key Insights
- A brutally cold weekend awaits more than 100 million people in the northeastern quarter of the nation as Arctic air lunges southward straight from eastern Canada.
- Temperatures will drop into the single digits or below zero across much of the Northeast.
- Dozens of daily record cold temperatures will be in jeopardy on Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8.
- The coldest wind chills in the minus-30s are forecast across the interior Northeast and New England.
- Strong winds, potentially gusting over 50 mph, will exacerbate the dangerous widespread below-zero wind chills, and also potentially produce isolated tree damage and power outages.
- Brief periods of intense snowfall, including snow squalls and blowing snow, are also possible with the arrival of the cold air.
In-Depth Analysis
The polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles, is responsible for this intense cold. A lobe of the polar vortex at lower levels of the atmosphere is descending, bringing frigid temperatures to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
**Expected Impacts:**
- **Temperature:** Single digits or below zero across much of the Northeast.
- **Wind Chill:** Minus-30s in the interior Northeast and New England.
- **Wind:** Gusts over 50 mph, potentially causing tree damage and power outages.
- **Snow:** Brief periods of intense snowfall, including snow squalls and blowing snow.
**Areas Affected:**
- Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, with the most extreme cold in the interior Northeast and New England.
- Snowfall expected from Michigan to Pennsylvania, with higher totals in New England.
**How to Prepare:**
- Limit time outdoors and cover exposed skin if outside.
- Ensure pets and livestock have adequate protection from the cold.
- Take steps to prevent frozen pipes.
- Have a cold-weather survival kit if traveling.
FAQ
How cold will it get?
Temperatures will drop into the single digits or below zero across much of the Northeast, with wind chills in the minus-30s in some areas.
What are the risks?
The extreme cold poses a significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin. Power outages and travel disruptions are also possible.
Takeaways
- The Northeast is about to experience the coldest air of the winter due to a lobe of the polar vortex. Be prepared for extremely cold temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and potential snow squalls. Limit time outdoors, protect exposed skin, and ensure pets and livestock have adequate shelter. A warming trend is expected to commence by the middle of next week.
Discussion
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Sources
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
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