Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no stranger to chilly temps and downright unbearable cold. However, Mother Nature often times likes to bend the rules a bit. A weakening polar vortex is likely to spell trouble for the High Plains late this week.

But what is the polar vortex? You can think of it as a permanent area of low pressure that stays at the Earth's poles! A strong polar vortex does a good job of keeping that arctic air where it needs to be. However, during the winter months, a weak polar vortex can allow some of that air to sink into the U.S.

This polar air will have some pretty hefty impacts across the High Plains. Thermometers will read values well below zero, but once you factor in that wind, the wind chill will take you down to 30 below zero in places like the Twin Cities, and Bismarck.

But it gets worse, lets say you find yourself in northern Minnesota. Duluth could see wind chill values as low as 60 degrees below zero! Downright dangerous cold!

These temperatures will also seep into the northeast, bringing wind chill values out in New York City down to 6 degrees below zero Sunday morning!

Reminder to keep yourself bundled up to the max headed into the late week! Frostbite can occur in mere minutes when the wind chill values get below -42 degrees! It's important to limit your skin exposure to the elements during this time as well!

Make sure you stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest on these temperatures, and how we can keep YOU safe through these frigid temperatures!