Triple polar vortex to plunge central and eastern U.S. into Arctic cold through mid-December

Three rounds of frigid Arctic air from a shifting polar vortex is expected to plunge much of the central and eastern United States into a cold spell in the coming weeks, meteorologists say. The first wave of the triple whammy of winter is happening this week.

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

Meteorologists are predicting two more bursts of cold temperatures for millions of people in the next two weeks.

“The displacement of the polar vortex allows Arctic air to infiltrate the central and eastern United States,” Duff explained. “A second cold outbreak is expected next week, and a third cold wave is expected in the middle of the month.”

When will the cold weather come?

Bitterly cold temperatures hit parts of the Midwest Thursday morning, while the northern Mid-Atlantic and New England will feel the freeze Friday morning. National Weather Service.

“This week’s outbreak will likely be the first of three such rounds,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s chief long-range meteorologist. “Another cold wave is likely next week and a third cold wave is likely the week after that.”

How cold will it be?

“Low temperatures in the negative single digits and teens for the Midwest and low temperatures in the single digits and teens for the North Mid-Atlantic/New England could challenge multiple daily record low temperatures,” the NWS said.

Meteorologists predict temperatures will drop into the 10s and 20s as cold air moves eastward along the Interstate 95 Northeast corridor. Subzero temperatures are expected from the Dakotas and Minnesota to Iowa and Nebraska due to the blast of Arctic air.

Here are the general temperature forecasts from the NWS for the next few days:

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

• Texas and the Southeast: 40s and 50s

What is a polar vortex?

Let’s start with the “pole” part. A large area of ​​low pressure and cold air always surrounds the Earth’s north and south poles. “Swirl” refers to the counterclockwise direction of air that traps cooler air near both poles. During winter, it is common in the northern hemisphere for the polar vortex to expand and push cold air southward from the north pole along the jet stream. According to NWS.

Staying safe if you lose power

AccuWeather recommends people winterize their homes and water lines, have their furnaces checked, and order heating oil or propane as soon as possible.

Here are some things American Red Cross If you lose your power and main heat source, he recommends:

• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, only use generators, grills, and camping stoves located outside and away from windows.

• Never use a cooking oven or stove to heat your home; This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires.

• Use a battery-powered flashlight or flashlight instead of candles due to fire risk.

• Close off rooms you don’t need.

• Be careful when using fireplaces and space heaters. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 meters away from the heat source.

Staying safe if you need to go out

American Red Cross If you must go outside, he recommends keeping as much of your skin covered as possible to prevent frostbite. Wear plenty of warm clothing and a hat; Gloves that fit well on the wrist are better than mittens. Wear a ski mask or scarf to help protect your face, and if possible, wear water-resistant boots to help keep your feet dry.

Avoid excessive exertion, which is often caused by walking in deep snow; It can lead to a heart attack or a more serious medical condition.