Polar Vortex to Bring ‘Frigid’ Temperatures to the U.S. — How Cold Could It Get in Your Area?

January 4, 2025 Duy191098 Blog 0

Many central and eastern states will see below-freezing temperatures to start 2025

By
Published on January 2, 2025 01:24PM EST
Wintry scene shaowing single figure with umbrella walking between trees amd battling the snow and wind.
Wintry scene shaowing single figure with umbrella walking between trees amd battling the snow and wind. Photo: Gillian Henry/Getty

A polar vortex is about to impact the United States and deliver what the National Weather Service has described as “the coldest air of the season to date.”

Meteorologists predict the surge of arctic air will push south through central and eastern portions of the U.S. to start the new year, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

Parts of Georgia could see temperatures as low as in the 20s by Tuesday, Jan. 7, while portions of Texas could dip into the teens around the same time, according to BBC News.

Meanwhile, some northern states could see temperatures fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Forecasters believe the “frigid” arctic air will last “through the weekend” for the impacted regions.

2 People Hospitalized, More Injured in Rare California Tornado

A polar vortex is “a large area of low pressure and cold air” that can expand during the winter months, “sending cold air southward with the jet stream,” according to the NWS.

The only danger these pose to humans, the agency said, “is the magnitude of how cold temperatures will get” as Arctic air makes its way south, including “into areas that are not typically that cold.”

The NWS said people should not be alarmed by news of a polar vortex, though they “should be prepared for colder temperatures” than normal.

Cold blasts are expected throughout January, according to ABC News.

A winter storm is also expected to impact many of these same areas by Saturday, Jan. 4, according to the WPC. The storm will impact the Northern Plains on Friday, Jan. 3, with heavy snow reaching the Ohio Valley on Sunday, Jan. 5 and the Mid-Atlantic by Monday, Jan. 6.

Accumulations of 6 and 12 inches of snow may occur downwind of the Great Lakes by Jan. 4, forecasters added.

Additionally, sleet and freezing rain could impact areas from southern Kansas and the Ozarks to the Tennessee Valley over the weekend.