A severe Arctic cold blast driven by the Polar Vortex is set to grip Canada and the United States during the second half of this month. This frigid outbreak, predicted to bring temperatures 30–40°F below normal, will affect tens of millions across North America, with historic lows and brutal cold conditions expected.
The Polar Vortex, a powerful, cyclonic wind system in the Earth’s atmosphere, plays a central role in this cold outbreak. This massive weather system spans from the troposphere into the stratosphere, profoundly influencing winter weather patterns.
When disrupted, the Polar Vortex’s southern lobe can descend toward mid-latitude regions, triggering extreme cold weather, as is the case for North America this January. The unusually cold conditions result from high-altitude atmospheric changes combined with a large-scale high-pressure ridge over the North Pacific and Alaska.
The Arctic cold pool will first intensify across Canada, reaching Alberta and Saskatchewan by late next week before spreading southward. By the weekend, Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas will experience a sharp temperature plunge, with anomalies of 25–40°F below average. By midweek, the frigid air will sweep across central U.S. states, reaching Texas, the Gulf Coast, and possibly Mexico.
The Arctic front will create widespread, dangerously low temperatures. Northern states like Montana and North Dakota will face deep freezes of -10 to -20°F, while southern areas, including Texas, could see temperatures plunge below freezing. Even Gulf Coast regions may experience rare cold weather, with temperatures dipping into the 20s°F. Wind chill could exacerbate the cold, posing significant risks of hypothermia.
Officially on polar vortex watch for the week of Jan. 20 🐧
Watch the Arctic air swirl down from the North Pole: pic.twitter.com/gERHIkDwJn
— Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) January 12, 2025
Across Canada, temperatures will remain in the -20 to -30°F range through mid-January. Snowfall, ice storms, and blizzard conditions are expected in some regions, particularly where the cold combines with winter storm systems.
Long-range forecasts suggest the Arctic cold pool could persist through late January, potentially intensifying over eastern Canada and the U.S. by the final week of the month. This could bring record-low temperatures to the Southeast, including Florida, and intensify wintry weather, with heavy snow and ice in affected areas.
The approaching Arctic blast highlights the immense power of the Polar Vortex in shaping winter weather across North America. With extreme temperatures, extended cold conditions, and hazardous weather risks on the horizon, residents across Canada and the U.S. should prepare for significant disruptions and take precautions to stay safe in the severe cold.
