As winter progresses, a significant weather event is set to impact parts of the United States. An influx of Arctic air is expected to lead to a winter storm affecting areas from Texas to New England this weekend.
Arctic Air and the Polar Vortex
This surge of cold air originates from the polar vortex, which is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s poles. This week, it is predicted to push frigid Canadian air deep into the southern and central states.
Forecast for the Southern and Central U.S.
The storm is anticipated to escalate from late Thursday into Friday. Affected regions include:
- Northern Texas
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Missouri
- Tennessee
In these areas, widespread snow, sleet, and freezing rain could disrupt travel and impact power infrastructure. Severe icing conditions are expected across parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas. This significance of icing poses a serious risk of downed power lines and tree limbs.
Potential Impact in New England
The storm’s effects will stretch to the Eastern Seaboard, with a possibility of reaching New England. While Boston and the surrounding areas may not experience the same intensity as southern states, they could encounter some snowfall and frigid temperatures late Sunday into Monday.
Weather Conditions This Weekend
On Friday night, Arctic air will begin to settle in, leading to dangerously low wind chills across New England. The forecast predicts:
- Daytime highs on Saturday barely reaching the low teens.
- Feels-like temperatures around or below zero.
- Wind chills as low as 10 to 25 degrees below zero in northern regions.
Understanding the Polar Vortex Shift
The polar vortex typically retains cold air over the Arctic. However, a sudden warming event in the stratosphere has caused it to wobble, allowing cold air to spill southward. This winter’s La Niña conditions are weak, contributing to a more volatile weather pattern.
This winter, while some areas have seen record warmth, the current Arctic outbreak signifies stronger-than-usual cold air movement for this time of year. The amount of snow New England will receive is contingent upon the storm’s track as it progresses.
