Polar Vortex of 2025 to Hit US With Freezing Weather; Here’s What to Expect

January is about to get frightfully colder in parts of the US and it’s time for the first polar vortex of 2025. While such weather phenomena are common at times, the upcoming polar vortex forecasted for the eastern US could just be a harsh one. Forecasted by weather experts to be significant, the polar vortex is poised to descend upon the eastern United States, ushering in some of the coldest temperatures experienced in recent years. Meteorologists anticipate that this influx of Arctic air will lead to sub-freezing conditions across numerous states, with certain regions potentially facing record-breaking lows.

What The US Can Expect

According to AccuWeather a blast of Arctic air will grip much of the eastern and central United States by mid-next week, plunging temperatures 10 to 20 degrees or more below the historical average. If the cold wave intensifies as expected, some areas, including the northern Plains, Midwest, and interior Southeast, could see temperatures drop 30 to 40 degrees below average during the first two weeks of January, marking one of the most significant cold snaps in recent years.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that, by January 7, parts of Georgia may experience temperatures plummeting into the 20s Fahrenheit (-6 to -1°C), while areas in Texas could see lows in between -12 to -7°C. Northern states are bracing for even more severe conditions, with temperatures expected to drop below 0°F (-18°C). This frigid air mass is projected to persist through the weekend of January 4-6, affecting a vast portion of the central and eastern U.S.

Snow Storms on the Horizon

In addition to the bone-chilling temperatures, a substantial winter storm is on the horizon. The Weather Prediction Center indicates that the storm will impact the Northern Plains on January 3, bringing heavy snowfall to the Ohio Valley by January 5, and reaching the Mid-Atlantic by January 6. Snow accumulations could range from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) around the Great Lakes, with sleet and freezing rain potentially affecting areas from southern Kansas and the Ozarks to the Tennessee Valley.

Major cities are preparing for the impending cold snap. In New York City, forecasts suggest that temperatures may not rise above the 30s°F (around 0-4°C) during the first week of January, with the possibility of a snowstorm developing in the early part of the week.

What is a Polar Vortex?

A polar vortex is a large area of low-pressure and cold air that circulates around the Earth’s poles, typically confined to the Arctic or Antarctic regions. This swirling mass of frigid air is held in place by a strong jet stream, which acts like a barrier, keeping it near the poles. However, during winter months, disruptions in the jet stream can cause the polar vortex to weaken and expand, allowing icy Arctic air to spill southward into regions like North America, Europe, and Asia. These events can lead to extreme cold snaps, with temperatures dropping far below normal averages, and are often accompanied by heavy snowfall and icy conditions. While polar vortex disruptions are natural and occur periodically, they can have significant impacts on weather patterns, leading to widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and increased energy demand. Scientists also study the polar vortex closely as its behavior can sometimes be influenced by climate changes, including warming trends in the Arctic.

No need for Alarm: NWS

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe. The NWS says there is no need for alarm, but recommends checking local forecasts regularly, dressing in layers, and ensuring that homes and vehicles are equipped to handle the extreme cold. Additionally, it’s advisable to monitor updates on potential snowfall and ice, as these conditions could lead to hazardous travel and disruptions in daily activities.