Polar Vortex Forecast Gets Worse as Meteorologists Sound Alarm

Meteorologists are raising alarms over worsening polar vortex conditions that could bring extreme cold and widespread disruptions.

Why It Matters

So far, this winter has seen one of the warmest Decembers on record in much of the northern United States. Though many residents experienced snow around the holidays, snow coverage was still at or near 20-year lows.

However, the polar vortex could bring severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, that could affect travel conditions or prompt school closures.

A blanket of fog covers Lake Michigan along the Chicago shoreline Monday, Jan. 6, 2014 as temperatures dove well below zero and wind chills were expected to reach 40 to 50 below. A polar vortex... Teresa Crawford/AP

What To Know

According to temperature outlook data, mapped by Pivotal Weather, North Dakota could see temperatures as low as 8 degrees on New Year's Day and wind chills as low as -14 degrees. Meanwhile, other states like Minnesota, Montana and Wyoming could see temperatures in the teens.

Surrounding states including Colorado, Idaho, Washington, South Dakota, Iowa and Michigan will also be hit by the polar vortex, with very cold temperatures in the 20s and 30s on New Year's Day, forecasts show.

A polar vortex is a stream of cold air that normally spins around the poles high in the stratosphere. The phenomenon, which blasts Arctic air across part of North America, can disrupt weather patterns.

When the polar vortex becomes weakened, it can lead to colder weather in the eastern United States. When a sudden stratospheric warming occurs, the vortex stretches or even splits with its center away from the pole. The stretch causes the air "leak" into the atmosphere, making the winter even colder.

AccuWeather reported that the vortex could prompt "some of the coldest air of the season" during February.

What People Are Saying

Meteorologist Ryan Maue said on X, formerly Twitter: "And, just as I was noting that the 'Arctic cold' wasn't of 'old fashioned' vintage, the GFS 18z drops -36°C at 850 mb into the central U.S. That would be crazy. Weather model run for the ages right here. [GFS 18z] Again, need this solution to disappear pronto."

Jim Cantore, also a meteorologist, said on X: "Prolonged period of COLD coming across the eastern USA that will only be made worse with whatever snowpack decides to accompany each shot. The Polar Vortex parks itself over eastern Canada for the first couple weeks of 2025 and allows these cold shots to slide southeast and dominate the weather east of the Rockies. The coldest is perhaps around the Jan 9/10th. Its been a while since we've seen this kind of prolonged cold."

Meteorologist Mark Margavage said on X: "Woah... now that's C-O-L-D! Is the South ready for a visit from the Polar Vortex? like I said the other day... PREPARE! This goes for everyone, but particularly if you live in an area that is not used to seeing brutally cold air, put together a winter weather survival kit and keep it in your car... Include things like warm winter clothes, a warm blanket, hand warmers, back-up batteries for your cell phones."

What Happens Next

The National Weather Service has advised the public to check the forecast for their area on weather.gov to ensure they are dressed appropriately. The agency said that while there is no cause to be alarmed by news of the polar vortex, people should be prepared for colder temperatures.