Polar vortex map shows where Arctic blast set to freeze US as far as Deep South

With the Northern Hemisphere well into the winter months, it may seem like the temperatures are already cold enough. But a deep freeze, thanks polar vortex plunging down from Siberia, is about to bring even harsher Arctic blast to nearly 300 million Americans starting this weekend. Map shows where and when the cold front will arrive.

Map of the temperature outlook in mid-January

The polar vortex is a large area of ​​cold air and low pressure that usually spins over the North and South Poles. During the winter months and when the jet stream permits, this cold air can descend further into lower latitudes such as the United States. This is expected to happen as early as this weekend.

Map of Saturday’s highs and wind chill

Starting Saturday, the polar vortex will begin to dive into the northern part of the United States, dropping temperatures into the single digits. Wind chills will already drop into the negative teens for that region. Expected temperatures will be 20-25 degrees below average for this time of year.

Map of Sunday’s highs and chills

By Sunday, the chill will begin to really kick in, with temperatures dropping into the teens across the Central Plains. Wind chills will be down to the negative 20s in the Northern Plains and single digits for the Central Plains, making dangerously cold conditions for those participating in NFL playoff games. Expected temperatures will be 25-30 degrees below average for this time of year.

Map of Monday highs and chills

On Monday, the polar vortex will reach the deep south with temperatures down to a freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit in Atlanta. Wind chills will be in the 20s. Across from Rocky MountainsDeletes and Midwestsome areas will not come out of the individual digits.

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

Inauguration Day Weather Forecast for Washington, DC

For the presidential election initiation on Monday in Washington, DC, skies will be mostly sunny with temperatures in the low 20s. Wind chill is expected to be in the single digits.

Due to the extreme cold, President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that the the ceremony will be held indoorsin the Capitol Rotunda, instead of the stage set up outside.

“There’s an Arctic blast sweeping the country,” Trump wrote about Truth Social. “I don’t want to see people hurt or hurt in any way.”

This will mark the coldest inauguration day in 40 years. In 1985, it only reached 7 degrees for President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration, causing the ceremony to move indoors and the parade to be canceled.