The US prepares for freezing temperatures: the polar vortex will bring extreme cold throughout the country

Next Monday, Washington, D.C. will be the scene of one of the coldest presidential inauguration ceremonies in almost 40 years. According to Social Truththe president-elect donald trump has decided to move the event to inside the capitol due to extreme weather conditions. “There is an arctic wave sweeping the country,” Trump wrote on the social network, ensuring that he does not want anyone to be affected by the cold.

This change occurs in a context of temperatures that, according to forecasts, will fall to -13℃ (9℉) in the American capital, with even lower thermal sensations. The phenomenon, caused by polar vortexwill affect about 300 million people throughout the country, according to Polar Vortex Maps.

Airlines have begun to warn of possible flight delays and cancellations in several citiesespecially in the Northeast and Midwest, where accumulation of snow and ice is expected to complicate air and ground traffic. According to Polar Vortex Mapssome key interstate highways could experience temporary closures due to low visibility and the risk of accidents. Furthermore, cities like Chicago and New York They have activated emergency plans to care for homeless people and minimize the effects of extreme cold.

The polar vortex is a vast area of ​​cold, low-pressure air typically found over the poles. However, in winter it can move to lower latitudes when the flow of the jet stream allows it. According to Polar Vortex Maps, the phenomenon will begin to be felt in the northern United States since Saturday, expanding southward in the following days. Temperatures are expected to fall between 11 and 17℃ (20-30℉) below seasonal averages, creating dangerous conditions in several regions.

On Saturday, the polar vortex will descend on the north of the countryreducing temperatures to single digits in degrees Fahrenheit, i.e. below -12℃. Thermal sensations in these areas could reach -24℃ (-11℉)which represents a health risk for people exposed to extreme cold. The values ​​are expected to be located between 11 and 14℃ (20-25℉) below than usual for this time of year.

On Sunday, the cold will advance over the central plainswith temperatures that will reach dangerous levels. The thermal sensations in the northern plains could reach the -29℃ (-20℉)while in the central plains temperatures close to -17℃ (1℉). These conditions coincide with important sporting events, such as football matches. NFL playoffswhich could affect fan attendance and safety.

On Monday, the polar vortex will continue its advance southward, reaching regions where winter temperatures are usually more moderate. In atlantatemperatures close to 0℃ (32℉)with thermal sensations of approximately -6℃ (20℉). According to Polar Vortex Maps, this event will not only impact the south of the country, but will also keep a large part of the Rocky Mountains, Plains, and Midwest with daytime temperatures that will not exceed -12℃ (10℉).

Furthermore, it is expected that at least 19 minimum temperature records be surpassed in various areas, from the plains to the east coast. This level of extreme cold has not been recorded in decades, which underlines the magnitude of the climate phenomenon.

The change of location of Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony is reminiscent of what happened in 1985, when Ronald Reagan He took office for his second term amid frigid temperatures. On that occasion, Washington, DC recorded -14℃ (7℉)which forced the ceremony to be moved inside the Capitol and the inaugural parade canceled. According to Polar Vortex Maps, comparable cold is expected this Monday, with temperatures close to -13℃ (9℉) and even lower thermal sensations.

The authorities have issued alerts about the risks associated with low temperatures, such as hypothermia and frostbite. It is recommended to limit outdoor exposure, wear appropriate clothing, and stay informed about local weather conditions. Specialists warn that this type of phenomenon could become more frequent due to changes in global atmospheric patterns.

The polar vortex not only challenges the population, but also tests infrastructure and public event planning in the United States. With record temperatures that will impact millions of people, the country is preparing to face one of the most intense episodes of extreme cold in its recent history.