Polar vortex to bring blast of extreme cold to New York
NEW YORK CITY - As a wave of extreme cold grips the U.S. this weekend, many are wondering about the polar vortex – a phenomenon responsible for plunging temperatures and icy conditions.
Here's a closer look at what the polar vortex is and how it impacts weather patterns.
What is the polar vortex?
The polar vortex is a strong area of low pressure located near the North Pole. It's a permanent feature of the Earth's atmosphere.
While it's weaker in the summer and stronger in the winter, disruptions to the vortex can send freezing Arctic air southward into the United States.
What happens during an outbreak?
The disruptions result in Arctic air sweeping across the country., causing extreme cold temperatures, high winds and wintry weather.
Outbreaks can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how long it takes for the vortex to stabilize and push the frigid air back north.
During a polar vortex event, dangerous wind chills, hard freezes and damage to sensitive crops are common. The last significant polar vortex to hit the Tri-State area occurred in January 2019, with single-digit temperatures recorded in Central Park and wind chills below zero.
The Arctic blast even reached as far south as Texas and Florida, regions rarely impacted by severe cold.
Winter storm forecast for NYC
A winter storm from Sunday and Monday could give NYC its first bout of snow for 2025 – but also poses a risk of a hazardous morning commute on the first day of the workweek in the Tri-State.
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Winter storm forecast for NYC: Snow timing, impacts for Monday morning's commute
A winter storm Sunday into Monday could give NYC its first bout of snow for 2025 – but also poses a risk of a hazardous morning commute on the first day of the workweek in Tri-State.
After the storm, a significant arctic outbreak will send temperatures plummeting across the East Coast, and the air will be the coldest of the season so far.
The FOX Forecast Center said the cold air will persist for the next few weeks, perhaps into the end of January, meaning the East Coast could be seeing its first colder-than-average January since 2022, and possibly even the coldest since 2014 or 2011.