Polar vortex maps show where the Arctic blast will freeze the US into the Deep South

As it extends well into the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, it seems as if temperatures are already cold enough. However, a frozen state, thanks to the Polar vortex The storm barreling down from Siberia will bring an even more intense Arctic blast to nearly 300 million Americans starting this weekend. Maps show where and when the cold front arrives.

Map showing the temperature outlook for mid-January

The polar vortex is a large area of ​​cold air and low pressure that usually rotates over the north and south poles. During the winter months and when the jet stream allows it, this cold air can sink further to lower latitudes, such as in the United States. This is expected to happen this weekend.

Map of Saturday’s highs and wind chills

Starting Saturday, the polar vortex began to enter the northern part of the U.S., dropping temperatures into the single digits. Wind chills fell into the negative teens for this region. The forecast temperatures were 20-25 degrees below average for this time of year.

Map of Sunday highs and wind chills

Things started to get really chilly on Sunday, with temperatures dropping to freezing across the Central Plains. Wind chills were as low as minus 20 degrees in the Northern Plains and single digits in the Central Plains dangerously cold Conditions for those attending NFL playoff games. The forecast temperatures were 25-30 degrees below average for this time of year.

Map of Monday’s highs and wind chills

On Monday, the polar vortex will reach the Deep South, with temperatures reaching freezing temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in Atlanta. Wind chills will be in the 20s. On the other hand Rockieslevels and Midwestsome areas will not make it past single digits.

At least 19 record-breaking high temperatures are expected from the plains to the east. The forecast temperatures will be 25 to 30 degrees below average for this time of year.

Weather forecast for Inauguration Day in Washington, DC

For the president Inauguration On Monday, skies in Washington, DC will be mostly sunny, with temperatures around 20°C. Wind chills are expected to be in the single digits.

Due to the extreme cold, President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that the The ceremony takes place indoorsin the Capitol Rotunda, rather than on the stage that had been set up outside.

“An arctic explosion is sweeping the country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I don’t want people to be hurt or harmed in any way.”

This will be the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration reached just 7 degrees, causing the ceremony to be moved indoors and the parade canceled.