Arctic Blast to Freeze 300 Million Americans as Polar Vortex Descends

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An arctic blast fueled by the polar vortex is set to plunge nearly 300 million Americans into a deep freeze this weekend, with temperatures dropping 20-30 degrees below average across much of the country. The cold front, originating from Siberia, will bring record-breaking lows and dangerous wind chills, impacting regions from the Northern Plains to the Deep South.

Beginning Saturday, the polar vortex will descend into the northern U.S., with temperatures in the single digits and wind chills reaching negative teens. By Sunday, the Central Plains will experience temperatures in the teens, while the Northern Plains could see wind chills as low as negative 20s. The Deep South, including Atlanta, will face freezing temperatures by Monday, with wind chills in the 20s.

At least 19 record-cold high temperatures are expected from the Plains to the East Coast. The extreme cold has already prompted President-elect Donald Trump to move his inauguration ceremony indoors. “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.” This will mark the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years, rivaling the 7-degree record set in 1985 during President Ronald Reagan‘s second swearing-in.

In Michigan, temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits and below zero, though they will not approach the state’s all-time low of -51 degrees Fahrenheit recorded in Vanderbilt in 1934. Capt. Kevin Sweeney of the Michigan State Police urged residents to take precautions: “With temperatures dropping below zero and dangerously cold wind chills on the way, it’s important to take extra steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

Meteorologist Nikki Nolan, who has covered national weather since 2019, emphasized the severity of the polar vortex. “This is a significant weather event that will impact millions,” she said. “People need to prepare for prolonged exposure to extreme cold and wind chills.”

As the cold snap continues, cities across the U.S. are opening warming centers and urging residents to limit outdoor activities. The National Weather Service warns that frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes in such extreme conditions.