Polar Vortex Brings Arctic Chill To Much Of US
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A severe winter storm blanketed the Central and Eastern US with snow and ice. The intense system triggered a state of emergency across several states, from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey. The Midwest was hit the hardest.
On January 5, 2025, Kansas City International Airport recorded 11 inches (27.9 cm) of snow. This is the fourth-largest single-day snowfall in the state’s history since records began in 1888. Meanwhile, Cincinnati, Ohio, saw a record-breaking snowfall of 8.4 inches (21.3 cm) surpassing the previous record of 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) set in 1977.
The heart of the country bore the brunt of the storm. However, the frigid weather is being felt along the entire eastern coast, reaching as far south as Florida. Over the next few days, wind chills in northern Florida are expected to drive temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.6°C).
The extreme cold is linked to the polar vortex — a massive, rotating pocket of frigid air around the North and South Poles. It spins counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The vortex is typically strongest in winter and usually remains near the poles. However, when it weakens or becomes unbalanced, pockets of frigid air escape, bringing extreme cold weather to surrounding areas.
Fortunately, the severe weather will not last too long. Experts predict the temperatures to rise by mid-January. If you are among the millions affected, bundle up and stay indoors as much as possible. With severe wind chills, frostbite can occur within minutes on exposed skin!
Resources: AlJazeera.com, quadcities.com, CNN.com, CBSnews.com
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47 Comments
crazychristine9 monthsWait... I LIVE IN NEW JERSY!!!! So thats why it's so cold. At our school, we hadn't have outdoor recess since Dec 18!
gubeman9 monthsMinnesota has only had snow once or twice this year (Talking about 2024 as well)
scratchkings1239 monthsI need snow I live in mn- crazychristine9 monthsWow. Same here in NJ
darkdeathmoon9 monthsIts cold in east lanceing but I WANT SNOOWWW
tennisgirl12349 monthsWe need snow in Dublin. Seriously…😁😁
beachgurly20129 monthsI hope the vortex hits my state i REALLY REALLY want snow im a little desperate 😅
dabaddie9 monthsits getting super cold here in Florida
ninjanumber16499 monthsIt is chilly in Florida I agree
techfashion03159 monthsI can attest that it is VERY cold here in NY- crazychristine9 monthsAlso in NJ
- techfashion03159 monthsReally? It's soooo cold