Polar Vortex Brings Extreme Cold to U.S. and Europe \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A powerful polar vortex event is bringing record-breaking cold temperatures to parts of the United States and Europe, with wind chills dropping as low as -60°F (-51°C) in North Dakota. Meteorologists warn that strong Arctic forces are driving this 10th and coldest polar vortex event of the season, impacting nearly every U.S. state except Hawaii, California, and Florida. Experts suggest that climate change may be increasing the frequency of these disruptions, pushing cold Arctic air south while allowing warmer air to creep north.
Polar Vortex Deep Freeze: Quick Looks
- Arctic Blast Hits the U.S. and Europe: A powerful polar vortex disruption is bringing record-breaking cold to large parts of North America and Europe.
- Extreme Wind Chills in the Northern Plains: North Dakota hit -60°F (-51°C) and Montana reached -50°F (-46°C), with even lower temperatures expected.
- Widespread Cold Across the U.S.: Nearly every U.S. state except Hawaii, California, and Florida will see wind chills of 20°F or lower this week.
- Unusual Winter Weather Extremes: New Orleans saw record snowfall last month, while Southern California battled drought and wildfires.
- Scientists Link Polar Vortex Disruptions to Climate Change: Some experts say a warming Arctic weakens the polar vortex, sending cold air further south more frequently.
- Global Temperatures Still Rising: Despite the extreme cold in the U.S., January 2024 was the hottest January on record, continuing a long-term global warming trend.
- National Weather Service Issues Severe Warnings: Officials warn of frostbite risks, frozen pipes, and dangerous road conditions as the deep freeze continues.
- Cold Snap Expected to Last Several Days: Meteorologists predict gradual warming by midweek, but more Arctic outbreaks may occur before winter ends.
Deep Look
What is the Polar Vortex and Why is It Disrupting?
The polar vortex is a large, circular air pattern in the upper atmosphere over the Arctic, typically strongest during winter when it traps the coldest air near the North Pole. However, at times, sections of the vortex weaken, break off, or shift south, bringing extreme cold to lower latitudes.
This week, a particularly strong Arctic system is forcing bone-chilling air into North America and parts of Europe, leading to the most severe cold snap of the season. This marks the 10th polar vortex disruption this winter, and meteorologists warn it may be the coldest yet.
Historic Cold Grips the Northern U.S.
As Arctic air surges southward, parts of the Northern and Central Plains are facing dangerously low temperatures.
- North Dakota: Wind chills plummeted to -60°F (-51°C) on Monday.
- Montana: Wind chills hit -50°F (-46°C), with even lower temperatures expected.
- Nationwide Impact: The National Weather Service predicts that every U.S. state except Hawaii, California, and Florida will experience wind chills of 20°F or lower at some point next week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued stark warnings, stating:
“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.”
Extreme Weather Highlights an Unusual Winter
This harsh Arctic outbreak comes amid an already unusual winter season across the U.S.:
- New Orleans saw record snowfall in January, an extremely rare event for the city.
- Southern California battled severe drought and destructive wildfires, despite the frigid conditions elsewhere.
These extremes highlight the erratic nature of modern weather patterns, with parts of the country experiencing opposite extremes simultaneously.
Is Climate Change Making Polar Vortex Disruptions Worse?
Scientists believe that climate change may be increasing the frequency and severity of polar vortex disruptions.
A warmer Arctic can cause more energetic atmospheric waves, which in turn weaken the polar vortex and allow cold air to spill southward. This phenomenon may explain why Arctic blasts are affecting regions further south more often while also allowing warmer air to push northward.
Despite the unusual cold gripping much of the U.S., the planet remains locked in a long-term warming trend.
- January 2024 set yet another global heat record, continuing an 18-month streak where Earth’s average temperature either met or surpassed the internationally recognized warming threshold of 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The deep freeze will continue for several days, with meteorologists warning of even lower temperatures on Tuesday. Officials urge residents in affected areas to take precautions:
- Limit exposure to extreme cold, as frostbite can occur in minutes.
- Protect water pipes from freezing and potential bursts.
- Check on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those without adequate heating.
While this Arctic outbreak will eventually ease, forecasters warn that more polar vortex disruptions could occur in the coming weeks, making the remainder of winter unpredictable and potentially hazardous.
Polar Vortex Brings Extreme
