Colder Than Ever! Polar Vortex Brings ‘Life-Threatening’ Temperatures Back to the US!

A powerful surge of Arctic air is sweeping across the U.S. this week, bringing the coldest polar vortex of the season. While these events typically occur two or three times per winter, this marks the 10th such outbreak, an unusual and extreme weather pattern.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that the Central U.S. will face record-breaking low temperatures, with wind chills plummeting to a life-threatening -51°C (-60°F). Heavy snowfall is expected from Kansas to Missouri on Tuesday, followed by ice and snow in North Carolina and southeastern Virginia on Wednesday.

"Arctic air will spread across much of the central U.S. into New England this week, resulting in record-breaking cold and life-threatening wind chill temperatures," the NWS reports. Extreme cold warnings have been issued across multiple states, spanning from the Canadian border to Texas.

The polar vortex is a low-pressure system that normally keeps frigid air contained near the poles. However, when disrupted, it can push icy temperatures far south. While this phenomenon isn’t unusual, experiencing it 10 times in a single winter is unprecedented.

Private meteorologist Ryan Maue explains, "All the wind directions in the atmosphere are dragging the cold polar air out of the Canadian Arctic. Everything signals extreme, biting winter cold."

With nearly 90% of the continental U.S. expected to dip below freezing, officials are urging people to take precautions, as frostbite can occur in minutes. Dressing in layers and limiting time outdoors is advised.