Janice R. Andrews
A powerful polar vortex is sweeping across the United States, sending temperatures plummeting well below seasonal averages and even reaching the Deep South. This Arctic blast, originating from Siberia, is set to bring record-breaking cold to millions in the coming days.
The polar vortex, a mass of cold, low-pressure air typically confined to the Arctic, has been pushed southward by a disrupted jet stream. It began its icy descent on Saturday, blanketing the northern U.S. in single-digit temperatures and wind chills in the negative teens.
By Sunday, the freeze intensified, with wind chills as low as -20°F in the Northern Plains and single-digit lows across the Central Plains. Monday is forecast to deliver even colder conditions, with the polar vortex extending into southern regions. Atlanta is bracing for temperatures at the freezing mark of 32°F, with wind chills dipping into the 20s. In the Rockies, Plains, and Midwest, some areas are expected to remain in the single digits, with biting winds making it feel even colder.
At least 19 record-breaking low high temperatures are expected from the Plains to the East, with temperatures forecasted to be 25-30°F below average for this time of year.
In Washington, D.C., Monday’s presidential inauguration will occur under clear but frigid skies. Highs are predicted to reach the low 20s, with wind chills in the single digits. Due to the extreme cold, President-elect Donald Trump has announced that the ceremony will be moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, prioritizing public safety. “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country,” Trump shared on Truth Social, stressing the importance of preventing potential injuries.
This inauguration will mark the coldest in 40 years, comparable to President Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in in 1985, when the temperature hit just 7°F, forcing the ceremony indoors and canceling the parade.
As the polar vortex continues to dominate, officials urge Americans to take precautions and prepare for the harsh conditions. With record-breaking cold affecting millions, staying warm and safe is crucial in the days ahead.
