Polar Vortex to Bring ‘Frigid’ Temperatures to US

A polar vortex is about to affect the United States, delivering what the National Weather Service has described as “the coldest air of the season yet.”

Meteorologists predict that wave of arctic air will push south through the central and eastern parts of the United States to start the new year, according to Weather forecast center.

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

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

Forecasters believe the “frigid” Arctic air will last “through the weekend” for the affected regions.

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

The only danger these pose to humans, the agency said, “is the magnitude of how cold temperatures will get” as arctic air moves south, including “into areas that typically aren’t that cold.”

The NWS said people should not be alarmed by news of a polar vortex, although 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 affect many of the same areas on Saturday, January 4, according to WPC. The storm will affect the northern plains on Friday, January 3rd, with heavy snow reaching the Ohio Valley on Sunday, January 5th and the Mid-Atlantic on Monday, January 6th.

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

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