A fierce Arctic blast has descended upon the eastern United States, sending temperatures plummeting to levels as much as 20 degrees below the seasonal average. The frigid air, driven by a polar vortex expanding from central Canada, is also bringing bitter cold to the Midwest and Great Lakes regions.
Record-Breaking Lows and Icy Spectacles
Meteorologists from The Weather Channel confirmed that Flint, Michigan, experienced a record-shattering low of -3°F on Friday. This figure broke the city's previous coldest record of -6°F, which had stood since 1991. The extreme conditions created stunning natural phenomena, with a viral video capturing magnificent 'icicle claws' draping over a pier on Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan has not yet frozen over completely, but the region continues to endure subzero temperatures. The cold is predicted to persist into the coming week, with major East Coast cities including Philadelphia, New York, and Boston facing continued below-freezing temperatures accompanied by heavy winds, which will make it feel even colder.
The Science Behind the Deep Freeze
According to AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok, the current severe weather pattern results from a weakened polar vortex. This climatic feature, comprised of strong winds in the stratosphere above the North Pole, has been in a disrupted state since November.
"When the vortex is stable, it stays above the North Pole, but if it's disrupted, warm air moves North while cold air moves South," explained Pastelok in a news release. "We are seeing the result as Arctic air pushes southward across the central and eastern US in recent days and may continue to do so for the next couple of weeks or so in waves."
AccuWeather's long-range forecasters predict the Arctic blasts will continue until the middle of December, with two to three more rounds of intense cold expected for the Midwest and East Coast until around 19 December.
Regional Impacts and a Glimmer of Warmth
The forecast indicates a varied picture across the nation:
- The Northern Plains and upper Midwest will see below-freezing temperatures on Saturday, with the Dakotas and upper Midwest experiencing single-digit and teen highs throughout the weekend.
- The Northeast is likely to face wintry conditions for several more weeks.
- There is some relief ahead for the Great Plains, where warmer weather is expected next week with highs potentially reaching the 50s (°F).
- Parts of the US as far south as central Florida may experience frost next week.
Pastelok noted that the fast-moving nature of the cold air should help prevent major snowstorms, with the best chance for East Coast snow around 12 December. A wintry mix storm may also affect parts of the Great Lakes, the Ohio Valley, and the Appalachians around 13 December.
In a striking comparison, Minneapolis was so cold on Thanksgiving Day that temperatures dropped below those recorded on Mars. However, there is hopeful news for the holiday season, as long-range meteorologists expect the intense cold front to subside before Christmas.
