January is expected to be the coldest in a decade as the polar vortex dips south across the eastern half of the United States. The shockingly cold weather comes after an unusually warm end to the year. According to a Fox Weather meteorologist, this January has the potential to be the coldest since 2014. The plunge in temperatures is expected to begin from the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast, with wind chills dipping below zero in the Midwest and temperatures dropping 20 degrees below average in some places.
The cold snap is expected to bring freezing conditions as far south as the Gulf coast and even into Florida. There is also a possibility of significant winter storms, with the prime window for these storms predicted to be in the middle to end of next week. Snow and ice are even forecasted for the southeast. While polar vortex forecasts are often unpredictable, this round of cold weather is highly confident, with weather models indicating that extremely cold air is on the way.
The polar vortex occurs when the air currents that keep frigid air over the North Pole weaken, causing freezing arctic air to slip south. This leads to the vortex moving down and bringing cold temperatures across the US. Arctic air blasting over the country, pressure changes, and high winds contribute to wintery weather. The cold is expected to persist throughout January, with relief coming once February arrives. The temporary nature of these plunges occurs as the polar vortex re-stabilizes and drives arctic air back north.
December started cold but finished unusually warm across most of the country, resulting in basically average temperatures for the month. However, some western areas experienced warmth persisting throughout December, with temperatures averaging 13 degrees above normal. This contrast in temperature patterns foreshadows a drastic and potentially dangerous plunge into extreme cold in January. The 2014 January polar vortex resulted in more than 20 deaths across the country as regions unaccustomed to severe cold, like Georgia, experienced record-low temperatures.
In conclusion, January 2022 is set to be exceptionally cold across the United States due to the polar vortex dipping southward. The severe and potentially record-breaking cold temperatures are expected to bring freezing conditions, wind chills below zero, and the possibility of significant winter storms. This forecast is highly confident, with weather models indicating a prolonged period of extreme cold throughout the month. While the polar vortex is known for its unpredictable nature, this round of cold weather is anticipated to persist until the arrival of February, when temperatures are expected to return to more normal levels. The contrast from an unusually warm end to 2021 to an exceptionally cold start to 2022 underscores the unpredictable and dynamic nature of weather patterns.
