Arctic Blast: Triple Polar Vortex Brings Record Cold to Central and Eastern U.S.

The first of three rounds of cold Arctic air from a shifting polar vortex has sent temperatures plunging across the central and eastern U.S., threatening centuries-old record lows in cities and towns from Iowa to Maine.

And meteorologists forecast two more blasts of frigid temperatures for millions of people over the next two weeks.

“The week will end with some of the coldest air of the season so far, as a front advances from the Midwest into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic,” said Renee Duff, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

“A displacement of the polar vortex is allowing Arctic air to seep into the central and eastern U.S.,” Duff said. “A second cold outbreak is in the forecast next week, and a third round of frigid air is likely during the middle of the month.”

When will the Arctic air arrive? And how cold will it get?

Brutally cold temperatures hit portions of the Midwest and Northeast on Friday, where record lows were recorded, including zero degrees in Springfield, Ill.; 3 degrees in Kalamazoo, Mich.; minus 4 degrees in Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and 6 degrees in Scranton, Pa.

In Iowa on Thursday, more than a dozen cities set new record lows. In Waterloo, it was minus 15 degrees, breaking the record of minus 7 degrees set in 1991.

More record-low temperatures could be broken in the coming days. “Some subzero overnight lows are likely across portions of the Dakotas and into Minnesota, especially by Sunday morning in the wake of the next arctic front,” according to the National Weather Service.

For the next couple of days, here are the general forecast temperature highs from the NWS:

• Central/Southern Plains east to the mid-Atlantic: 30s and 40s

• Texas and Southeast: 40s and 50s

What other weather impacts are forecast?

“Snow will once again set the holiday mood this weekend for approximately 60 million people from the Plains to the Midwest, accumulating several inches and causing slippery travel,” AccuWeather meteorologists say.

“A swath of accumulating snow, ranging from 1 to 3 inches, will extend from Montana to Iowa during the day on Saturday and then farther to the east over portions of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley from Saturday night to Sunday,” according to AccuWeather.

What is a polar vortex?

Let’s start with the “polar” part. A large area of low pressure and cold air is always surrounding Earth’s north and south poles. “Vortex” refers to the counterclockwise direction of air that keeps the colder air near both poles. During wintertime in the northern hemisphere, it’s common for the polar vortex to expand, pushing the cold air from the north pole to the south along the jet stream, according to the NWS.

Staying safe if you lose power

AccuWeather advises people to complete winterizing their homes and water lines and to have their furnaces checked and heating oil or propane ordered as soon as possible.

Here are some things the American Red Cross recommends if you lose power and your main heat source:

• Only use generators, grills and camp stoves that are placed outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Never use a cooking oven or stove to heat your home, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires.

• Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights instead of candles due to the fire risk.

• Close off any rooms you don’t need.

• Use care when using fireplaces and space heaters. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet away from the heat source.

Staying safe if you have to go outdoors

The American Red Cross advises that if you must go outside, keep as much of your skin covered as possible to avoid frostbite. Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing and a hat; mittens snug at the wrist are better than gloves. Wear a ski mask or a scarf to help cover your face, and water-resistant boots, if possible, to help keep your feet dry.

Avoid overexertion that often occurs from walking through deep snow, as it could bring on a heart attack or other serious medical condition.