Archive · 5 Dec 2025
US Braces for Triple Polar Vortex
The United States is getting ready for very cold weather because of something called a triple polar vortex.
This means three times in December, very cold air from the Arctic will move into the country.
This cold air can bring snow and make it feel much colder than usual.
Places like the Midwest, Northeast, and even parts of the South might experience freezing temperatures and strong winds.
People in these areas need to be careful because the cold can be dangerous and cause frostbite.
The cold air comes when the usual winds around the North Pole weaken and let the cold air escape south.
Three separate polar vortex systems expected in December, bringing bitter cold and snow.
Wind chills between -10°F and -25°F expected, with the first wave hitting December 3-5.
Affected regions include the Great Plains, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and South.
Potential impacts include snow, flurries, and life-threatening wind chills.
The polar vortex is a ring of upper-air winds that normally circles the Arctic, occasionally weakening and allowing cold air to spill south.
- Who
- Residents of the Central, Midwest, and Eastern US
- What
- Triple polar vortex bringing bitter cold and snow
- When
- December 2023, with three separate Arctic outbreaks
- Where
- Central, Midwest, and Eastern US, including the Great Plains, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and South
- Why
- Weakening of the polar vortex allowing frigid air to spill south
- Expected Duration
- Three separate Arctic outbreaks in December
- Temperature Drop
- Wind chills between -10°F and -25°F
- Affected Regions
- Central, Midwest, and Eastern US
- Potential Impacts
- Snow, flurries, and snow squalls
- Risk of Frostbite
- Heightened due to cold air and strong winds
