Midwest USA Set For Record Low Temperatures As Polar Vortex Sweeps In

The USA has been placed on alert after the weather forecast shows that potentially deadly sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall are expected to hit the Midwest and Northeast parts of the country tonight.

The extreme cold is a result of a ‘polar vortex’ that could be on the way to the area, bringing with it blizzard conditions that will be followed closely by dangerously low temperatures.

So low, in fact, that the National Weather Service has warned of ‘possibly life threatening’ conditions.

With wind chill, places like Illinois could be facing a drop in the mercury to as low as -55, which would be a record low.

 

That’s not even the worst possible scenario. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the thermometer could bottom out at -30, but with the added wind that could feel like -60.

The polar vortex is an area of extremely cold wind that usually circulates around the North Pole. In what is an unusual turn of events, it looks like it is going to head down to the United States for a while, which is bound to cause havoc for everyone in the vicinity.

Weather service meteorologist Brian Hurley told the MailOnline: “If you live up in the Arctic Circle, you’d say this is pretty normal. When it’s actually brought down to this level, that’s when you know it’s something serious.”

 

Accuweather has reported that this spell could be the coldest it has been in America for several years. That means that within minutes, people who are caught out or unprepared might be at risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

Of course, this is especially concerning for those who don’t have anywhere to sleep. Sleeping rough is incredibly difficult during any winter, let alone during record-low temperatures.

Another meteorologist, Tyler Hasenstein, said:

“We are very confident this cold is going to be significant… People are right to be concerned.”

On top of that, many areas should expect significant snowfall, too. In Minnesota, 14 inches of snow are expected. There have already been blizzard conditions in some places across the Midwest.

Please, folks – if you’re in this area, take all possible precautions to stay as safe and warm as possible, and look out for one another.

Image credit: Accuweather

The post Midwest USA Set For Record Low Temperatures As Polar Vortex Sweeps In appeared first on Go Social.