Millions of Americans are waking up to extreme cold this week as a disrupted polar vortex spreads across the nation. Consequently, more than 200 million people will experience freezing temperatures across the Plains, Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast. This Arctic blast follows the latest winter storm sweeping the country.

Arctic air has already plunged temperatures well below zero in many areas. For instance, Aberdeen, South Dakota, tied a daily record at minus 18 degrees, while Spencer, Iowa, dropped to minus 17. Other cities, like Waterloo and Cedar Rapids in Iowa, also saw record lows. As a result, afternoon temperatures in much of the Midwest remain in the teens, 20 to 30 degrees below normal.

Snow squalls may accompany the cold in the Northeast, particularly in upstate New York and central and northern New England. These brief bursts of heavy snow create icy roads and dangerous whiteouts. Historically, such squalls have caused multi-car accidents and major travel delays.

Chicago and South Bend, Indiana, could break daily low-temperature records, last set in 1899. New York City faces its coldest morning since early March, with lows around 20 degrees at JFK and LaGuardia airports. Wind chills will make it feel even colder.

The extreme cold is linked to a weakened polar vortex that started in late November. This circular Arctic wind current normally keeps frigid air locked in the north. However, it recently shifted south, spilling cold air into heavily populated areas. Meteorologists say this movement creates stormier conditions as Arctic air collides with warmer air.

Additionally, a wavier jet stream is expected to cause frequent swings between milder and frigid conditions throughout December. Experts warn that another Arctic shockwave could arrive by mid-December, keeping temperatures below average across the eastern US.

Even though the official start of winter is still weeks away, Mother Nature has already delivered a harsh preview. Residents are advised to bundle up, monitor forecasts, and prepare for icy travel conditions.

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