Polar Vortex To Bring Frigid Temperatures To Nearly Two Dozen States

A polar vortex is set to bring winter conditions to the eastern United States by next week, with meteorologists predicting freezing temperatures and storms affecting nearly half the country. The Arctic air mass is descending from Greenland and northern Canada and is expected to arrive by Monday (November 10).

Forecasters predict that temperatures will fall more than 20 degrees below normal across the East, with freezing conditions reaching into the Deep South and highs only in the 30s and 40s across northern and central Florida. The average November temperatures in the eastern U.S. vary widely, with highs typically ranging from the low 50s in the Northeast to the 60s in the Southeast. Overnight lows usually drop from the 30s in the north to the 40s or 50s in the South.

This early-season cold snap could bring multiple storm systems and potential snow in higher elevations, including the Catskills, Adirondacks, and parts of New England. According to WPIX senior meteorologist Mike Masco, snow is likely in elevated areas of New York, Pennsylvania, and several New England states between November 10 and 15.

The Midwest, including Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, is also expected to face blustery conditions and steady rainfall this weekend. The polar vortex is predicted to shift into the U.S. by November 10.

Meteorologist Tomer Burg shared on X that the East Coast will experience its first preview of winter weather next week as a transient but deep cold air mass traverses the region. Widespread well-below-average temperatures are expected for a couple of days.

Some forecasts indicate that the polar vortex could extend as far south as Arkansas and Tennessee. By Monday, the eastern parts of the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are also expected to experience the wintry surge.