Forecasters are warning of a chilly January in Georgia, with the Arctic polar vortex set to push frigid winds across swathes of the country.
Why It Matters
The polar vortex may lead to severe weather, with some forecast models indicating that parts of the system’s icy air could extend deep into the southern United States, including Georgia, potentially disrupting daily life.
What To Know
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the Arctic polar vortex is a powerful band of west-to-east winds that develops in the stratosphere, about 10 to 30 miles above the North Pole, during the winter season.
During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex often expands, pushing cold air southward along with the jet stream, the service said.
In a forecast by AccuWeather, shared with Newsweek, senior director of forecasting operations Dan DePodwin said that the first half of January 2025 “has the potential to be remembered across the eastern half of the U.S. as a brutally cold stretch with subfreezing temperatures all the way to the Gulf Coast, which is dangerous, especially in places that do not typically experience freezing conditions.”
“The Southeast has experienced a run of Januarys with warmer than average or near historical average temperatures. January 2025 could end up being the coldest since January 2018 in this region.
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“In an extreme scenario where the cold lingers past the middle of January, it could be the coldest January since 2014,” DePodwin added.
AccuWeather forecasted that for the period of January 8-10, the ‘RealFeel’ temperature in Georgia could feel as cold as between 10-20 degrees.
This is an equation that takes into account many different factors to determine how the temperature actually feels outside, such as sun position and wind strength.
It also said there was a high risk of subfreezing temperatures across the entire state next week.
Forecast data mapped by Pivotal Weather indicated that in north and central Georgia, there was at least a 90 percent chance of below average temperatures.
AccuWeather said that for the period of January 3-12, the Peach State could see temperatures fall 10-20 degrees below the historical average.
What People Are Saying
Meteorologist Ben Noll wrote on X on December 29: “A lobe of the polar vortex threatens to bring some seriously cold and possibly snowy weather to the United States during the week of January 6.
“Frigid air will overtake just about the entire country.”
What Happens Next
Forecast models expect cold air to be pushed throughout much of the U.S. from early to mid-January.
The NWS has advised the public to check the forecast for their area on weather.gov to ensure they are dressed appropriately. The agency said that while there is no cause to be alarmed by news of the polar vortex, people should be prepared for colder temperatures.
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As the polar vortex sweeps through the United States, Georgia is bracing for a deep freeze unlike anything the state has seen in years. With temperatures expected to plummet well below freezing, residents are being urged to take precautions to stay safe and warm.
According to meteorologists, the polar vortex is expected to bring frigid air and dangerous wind chills to the Deep South, including Georgia. The cold snap is expected to last for several days, with temperatures dropping into the single digits in some areas.
In addition to the cold temperatures, there is also a chance of snow and ice in parts of the state. This could lead to hazardous driving conditions and power outages, so residents are advised to stock up on supplies and stay off the roads if possible.
If you live in Georgia, now is the time to prepare for the deep freeze. Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have plenty of blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable food on hand. Also, remember to bring pets indoors and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to make sure they are safe and warm.
Stay tuned to local weather reports for updates on the polar vortex forecast and follow any advisories or warnings from officials. By taking precautions and staying informed, you can stay safe and warm during this extreme weather event.
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