The polar vortex will bring freezing temperatures to the US

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In the coming days, the polar vortex will probably bring freezing weather to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida where it is not usual. The most snow will fall in the Great Lakes region and the Appalachian Coast. The perceived temperature will often be lower as strong winds will blow especially in higher-lying areas.

The polar vortex is a region of cold air that circulates around the Arctic. This area may shift and expand bringing cold temperatures to areas to the south as well. Modeling of the polar vortex shows it will expand over the US in the first two weeks of the year. The lowest temperatures will prevail in the second week of January and will be below normal values.

The National Weather Service NWS is warning that the coldest air of the season so far and dangerous wind chills are likely in many areas of the Southeast. If the forecasts come true temperatures in Texas will drop to minus eight degrees Celsius at the beginning of next week.

In the state of Minnesota temperatures will drop to minus 25 degrees Celsius. Exact temperatures are very difficult to predict so they may vary slightly. Heavy snowfall can be expected initially in the Great Lakes region. Later it may also snow in parts of Texas.

In 2022 a severe arctic winter storm hit the US claiming several lives and causing widespread power outages. About one and a half million homes were left without power and the storm also caused a temporary shutdown of oil production at a dozen facilities along the Gulf Coast.

Zdroj:BBC