ROCHESTER, N.Y. – This week’s weather story is all about temperature and how we are coping with a surge of brutally cold air. We are not alone in feeling the chill. Early Tuesday morning, temperatures across much of the Deep South fell into the 30s. Even near Atlanta, Georgia, where my grandkids are located, they woke up to morning lows dipped into the upper 20s.
This outbreak is the result of a direct surge of Arctic air spilling southward from Canada and across the Great Lakes. Many communities are experiencing sub-zero temperatures, even before factoring in the wind chill. The polar vortex is largely responsible. The polar jet stream typically acts as a barrier, confining the coldest air near the Arctic. At times, however, that barrier weakens, allowing bitterly cold air to plunge south into the United States.
When comparing forecast high temperatures to seasonal averages, there is little relief in sight. Aside from a brief moderation on Wednesday, temperatures are expected to remain well below normal for the remainder of the week and likely through the next 10 days. At times, readings may hover near zero. Historically, the coldest air of the season often arrives during the next two to three weeks here in Western New York, so this pattern is not entirely unexpected.
As we endure this latest round of extreme cold, it is important to keep safety in mind. Be aware of the warning signs of hypothermia, which include confusion, persistent or excessive shivering, difficulty speaking, and muscle stiffness. Taking proper precautions such as limiting time outdoors, dressing in layers, and checking on vulnerable individuals can make a significant difference during prolonged cold spells.
The post First Alert Weather In-Depth: Why this cold spell is not going away anytime soon appeared first on WHEC.com.
