Weather experts have warned a large number of Americans that it could get pretty chilly soon, as an 'arctic outbreak' is set to sweep across the United States, bringing sub-zero temperatures as a result of a massive polar vortex.
Everyone's used to bracing for colder temperatures during the winter months as that's when you typically break out the big coat, scarf, and gloves — even sometimes when you're inside the house.
However, things could get colder than you're used to this year in certain parts of America, as an alarming weather trend could see sub-zero temperatures and sudden snow squalls surprise millions of residents for several weeks.
As reported by the Daily Mail, meteorologists have issued a new warning that a massive polar vortex is currently sweeping across the United States this week, marking the start of a potentially weeks-long cold plunge that could break records.
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The vortex is coming south from Canada as freezing cold air is currently affecting areas in the Midwest and Northeast, and the chance of heavy snow is predicted to be high.
Areas around the stretch from Montana to Maine have been warned to brace for temperatures that are around 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit colder than current record lows for this time of year, and the area around New York, New Hampshire, and other northern Mid-Atlantic states have been told to prepare for significant snow.
Current predictions from meteorologists have snow of around three to five inches at lower elevation areas, with some places sitting higher receiving anywhere between five and eight inches.
Additionally, this extreme weather also appears to have affected travel around the holiday period, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing ground delays at airports in Boston, New York, and Washington as a consequence of bad weather, potentially delaying plane rides that people need to visit their families this month.
The whirlpool of cold air is expected to last for at least a week, with some worried that it could continue into the late days of the month, yet it could continue on towards the southern states as warmer air pushed upwards have knocked the vortex off balance across the whole of the nation.
Experts have illustrated that just under half the country could experience temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit lower than record totals, with many of these being below zero.
For example, states in the Midwest like Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin could soon reach lows as cold as -10 degrees Fahrenheit, so officials have urged people to take caution wherever possible.