A polar vortex, a weather pattern similar to the historic winter storm that struck Texas in 2021 — when every county in the state experienced below-freezing temperatures for the first time — is making its presence felt and is expected to reach Texas by Monday.
While not as severe as the 2021 Great Texas Freeze, the upcoming polar vortex will quickly drop temperatures into the 20s and 30s across Texas next week.
What is a polar vortex?
A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that swirls around the Earth’s poles, primarily in the stratosphere, creating a strong band of west-to-east winds. When this vortex weakens, it can send frigid air from the Arctic southward, bringing dangerously cold temperatures to mid-latitude regions like the southern United States.
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In 2021, the polar vortex prompted widespread power outages across Texas, resulting in rolling blackouts and leading to the deaths of 246 people.
When will the polar vortex reach Texas?
The effects of the polar vortex are expected to reach Texas on Monday and bring freezing or below-freezing temperatures throughout the week.
The impending event could bring snow to all 48 contiguous states, except for southern California, southern Florida, and southern Arizona. However, snowfall is unlikely in parts of Texas that are not in the northern regions, and any areas that do receive snow will likely experience only a brief period of accumulation, as temperatures are expected to warm back into the 40s during the daytime.
Except for South Florida and California/Arizona, everywhere else in the Lower 48 has at least a non-zero chance of snowfall by January 11, 2025.
25% chance of measurable snow in Florida panhandle sounds fun! pic.twitter.com/9f3NVnQxgm
— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) December 28, 2024
ERCOT meteorologist says Texas winter weather patterns are similar to 2021 Great Texas Freeze
Earlier this year, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ top meteorologist Chris Coleman told officials during a board meeting that he expected winter weather patterns similar to those seen during the 2021 Great Texas Freeze. While above-normal temperatures are anticipated this winter, Coleman acknowledged there is also a greater-than-average chance of extreme cold weather events, similar to what Texas faced in 2021.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When will polar vortex reach Texas? Arctic blast to hit Monday
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