Polar vortex may soon split. What does that mean for US temps?
Several rounds of bitter cold are expected in the eastern U.S. through early March, after a stratospheric warming event disturbs the polar vortex.
- A displaced polar vortex is expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures to much of the U.S.
- The arctic blast is driven by a weakened polar vortex, which allows frigid air to move south from the Arctic.
Dangerously cold temperatures are expected across a large portion of the U.S. this week, impacting the Midwest, Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast.
According to USA TODAY, a blast of Arctic air is set to move into the United States from Canada beginning Feb. 6 and last through the weekend due to a displaced polar vortex.
The pattern could also bring snow ahead of the frigid temperatures, AccuWeather reported. Temperatures in major cities such as Detroit, New York City and Boston are expected to drop into the single digits, with wind chills making it feel significantly colder.
“This weekend could feature the coldest air of the whole winter in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic,” said Washington Post meteorologist Ben Noll on X.
The National Weather Service said the coldest conditions will be felt across the interior Northeast and New England, where wind chills could plunge into the minus 30s.
Here’s how cold it will get and whether Tennessee will be affected.
Polar vortex disruption to cause widespread cold, snow and high winds
An Arctic air mass moving into the U.S. beginning Feb. 6 is expected to intensify on Feb. 7, bringing dangerously cold temperatures to much of the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic, USA TODAY reported.
Highs are forecast to remain in the single digits, teens and low 20s, with wind chills plunging into the minus 30s across the interior Northeast and New England. Coastal areas could see wind chills drop below zero into the minus teens through Feb. 8.
The outbreak is being driven by a weakened polar vortex, allowing frigid air to surge south, according to AccuWeather and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center. Strong winds — potentially gusting over 50 mph — could worsen conditions and lead to isolated tree damage and power outages, particularly across the Appalachians, Mid‑Atlantic and interior Northeast.
Brief bursts of heavy snow, including snow squalls and blowing snow, are also possible Feb. 6-7.
What is a polar vortex?
A polar vortex is an area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds the North and South poles, according to the National Weather Service. The area always exists near the poles, but it becomes weaker in summer and stronger in winter.
Under normal conditions, the polar vortex will spin around the Arctic, according to Scientific American.
During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex can often expand and send cold air south, often referred to as an arctic blast, a phenomenon that occurs regularly at this time of year. The phenomenon can send chilly temperatures to regions and areas in the south that don’t usually experience the cold.
The polar vortex isn’t new, according to the weather service. The term has become more popular, drawing greater attention to the weather phenomenon.
While it isn’t new, the Northern Hemisphere could experience more blasts of cold air in the coming years, despite the region warming more than usual, according to a study published by the journal Environmental Research.
Will Tennessee be impacted by the polar vortex?
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Husted, Middle Tennessee will experience only a brief blast of colder air. The chill will be most noticeable on Feb. 7, when highs drop into the 30s and 40s.
Warmer temperatures are expected to return on Feb. 8, with highs rebounding into the 50s and climbing into the 60s by Feb. 9, Husted said in an email to The Tennessean.
“It will not be nearly as cold, so really, we’re missing out on this cold blast this time,” added Husted. “I think we’ll all be happy about that.”
What conditions can Tennessee expect in February?
The warming period is expected to continue through the middle of the month, Husted previously told The Tennessean. There are no major cold outbreaks currently in the forecast, he said, unlike the system that devastated the region in January, though conditions are being closely monitored.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s February temperature outlook, much of Tennessee has a 33% to 50% chance of experiencing below‑average temperatures. When it comes to precipitation, the Volunteer State has equal chances of receiving average rainfall.
Nashville typically sees about 4.47 inches of precipitation during the month, with an average high of 53.8, an average low of 33, and an average overall temperature of 43.4, per National Weather Service data.
Contributing: USA TODAY
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana
