A major shift in atmospheric patterns is sending a deep and prolonged chill across a vast swathe of the United States, with Arctic air forecast to grip the nation through the holiday weekend and beyond.
What's Causing the Big Freeze?
The culprit is a disrupted polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air that typically circles the Arctic. When this vortex is strong and stable, it keeps the coldest air bottled up near the pole. However, forecasters report it has now become stretched, allowing a surge of frigid air to spill south into lower latitudes.
This particular disruption is not causing a sudden, short-lived collapse but rather a stretching effect. Meteorologists warn this means the below-average temperatures are likely to be more persistent, leading to a longer-lasting cold spell rather than a brief, extreme outbreak.
Scale and Duration of the Cold Snap
The impact is immense. The Arctic blast is set to affect the Central and Eastern U.S. states, with forecasts indicating that over 170 million people will feel the bite of the freezing conditions.
The cold began rolling in from Friday 16 January 2026. Current modelling suggests this harsh weather pattern could persist for 10 to 14 days or more, with the potential to extend right into early February.
Regional Impacts and Outlook
Areas like Central Florida, including Orlando, which are more accustomed to mild winters, are experiencing unseasonably cold temperatures as the air mass spreads south. The event underscores how disruptions in polar circulation can have significant consequences for populated regions far from the Arctic.
Residents across the affected states are advised to prepare for a sustained period of cold weather, with the polar vortex activity driving conditions well below the seasonal average for the foreseeable future.
