Polar vortex could bring bone-chilling cold, potential first significant snowstorm to Interstate 95 corridor

Polar vortex to bring bone-chilling cold, potential snowstorm to Interstate 95 corridor

Current forecast models show the circulation of the Polar Vortex weakening later this week into the weekend. As this occurs, cold air is expected to spread across much of the Central and Eastern U.S. With cold air in place, a batch of energy is also projected to move out of the Northwest as a dip in the jet stream begins to intensify. As this system moves east, it could bring snow from the Midwest into the Northeast. With cold air forecast along the I-95 corridor, including Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, the first significant snow of the season is possible if all the ingredients come together. However, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the timing of this system.

NEW YORK — Another round of bone-chilling air from the Polar Vortex could invade the central and northeastern U.S. this weekend and potentially produce the first significant snowstorm of the season for the Interstate 95 corridor if this cold air meets up with moisture that is expected to race across the country.

Current computer forecast model guidance suggests that snow will move into the Midwest Saturday and into the Northeast by Sunday. However, uncertainty remains high regarding all aspects of any snowfall, and those who will be in the Midwest and Northeast should monitor forecast changes as the week progresses.

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According to the FOX Forecast Center, current forecast models show the circulation of the Polar Vortex weakening later this week into the weekend, which will allow more cold air to spill into the Midwest and Northeast.

WHAT IS THE POLAR VORTEX?

This comes after record low temperatures were already set on Tuesday in New England.

The Polar Vortex is a large, persistent area of low pressure and cold air near the poles and sits about 10-30 miles above Earth’s surface. A strong Polar Vortex keeps the coldest air contained over the arctic circles; a weaker Polar Vortex allows that frigid air to drop into the lowest level of the atmosphere and dips in the Pacific jet stream usher that cold air from Canada into the Lower 48.

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If enough cold air is able to take hold of the Midwest and Northeast this weekend, it would create prime snow-making conditions for a quick-moving storm system that is currently forecast to move east out of the Pacific Northwest. 

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This system would also need additional moisture to move up from the south to produce significant snow.

PARADE OF FAST-MOVING CLIPPERS THREATEN MIDWEST AND NORTHEAST WITH MORE SNOW, RAIN AND STRONG WINDS

If all these conditions are met, an area of low pressure could form near the coast this weekend, increasing the chance for significant snow across the Northeast, including the Boston, Philadelphia and New York metro areas.

This would be the first significant snow for that portion of the Interstate 95 corridor. 

What is the Polar Vortex?

During a significant snowstorm or a freezing cold snap, you may hear the term "polar vortex" bandied about. FOX Weather Meteorologist Ari Sarsalari explains what exactly the polar vortex is, how it works and how it influences our weather.

However, if one of these components is missing, snow totals would be depressed.

This latest storm bears out the long-range outlook from NOAA last month that forecast an active start to meteorological winter, due in part to the La Niña climate pattern.

Check back for updates on this developing story.