The polar vortex is a large area of cold air and low pressure that typically spins over the North and South Poles
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. During the winter months, when the jet stream allows, this cold air can drop farther down into lower latitudes, such as the United States
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. This phenomenon is forecasted to bring an arctic blast to nearly 300 million Americans starting this weekend
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The polar vortex is expected to dip down from Siberia, bringing temperatures as much as 45 degrees below average in some areas
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. This means that places like the Plains, Great Lakes, and interior Northeast will experience below-zero temperatures
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. Even cities not accustomed to such cold, like Atlanta, will feel the chill with temperatures dropping into the teens
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The cold front will begin to affect the northern tier of the U.S. on Saturday, with temperatures dropping into the single digits and wind chills in the negative teens
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. By Sunday, the chills will intensify, with temperatures in the teens across the Central Plains and wind chills in the negative 20s in the Northern Plains
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. This extreme cold will make for dangerously cold conditions, especially for those attending outdoor events like NFL playoff games
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On Monday, the polar vortex will reach the Deep South, with temperatures down to the freezing point in Atlanta and wind chills in the 20s
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. Across the Rockies, Plains, and Midwest, some areas won’t make it out of the single digits
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. At least 19 record-cold high temperatures are expected from the Plains into the East
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The extreme cold is due to a disrupted polar vortex, which has sent a lobe of cold air southward into the U.S
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. This type of weather system is rare and can bring arctic air as far south as the Gulf Coast
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. It’s a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather.
For more detailed information and updates, you can watch this YouTube video on the polar vortex and its impact on the U.S.
Stay warm and safe during this cold snap!
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www.cbsnews.com
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foxweather
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