Get ready for a third round of the Polar vortex

Frigid Arctic air is set to sweep across the central and eastern United States in the coming weeks, marking the first of three projected polar vortex surges this month.

Meteorologists warn that repeated blasts of subzero air will bring intense wind chills, frequent snow bursts and potential blizzard conditions. By Thursday, temperatures in the Northern Plains and upper Midwest are expected to feel between minus 10 and minus 25 degrees.

The polar vortex is a recurring circulation pattern that typically confines brutally cold air near the Arctic. When portions of this system break away, they drift south and trigger extreme weather events, including snow squalls and widespread storm development.

In the Northeast, a wintry mix is already disrupting travel, with snowfall recorded at rates nearing one inch per hour. Roads have frozen rapidly, and residents are digging out from heavy slush that turned to ice overnight.

Forecasters anticipate that December will remain significantly colder than average, with additional Arctic fronts likely to follow and escalate the onset of severe winter conditions.

Author: Zoe Harrison