Arctic Blast to Bring Record-Low Temperatures to 15 States
An arctic blast is expected to impact over 200 million Americans, bringing temperatures even colder than the last wave. The blast will leave 220 million Americans feeling below-average temperatures, creating chances of dangerous snow squalls across the Northeast. Pennsylvania and New York are bracing the most, as Interstates 90, 81, and 80 are expected to have whiteout conditions.
Over 30 record lows could fall across 15 states later this week, as many cities will see consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures leading up to Thursday and Friday. The arctic blast will be felt across the country, with the Midwest being the focal point for the coldest temperatures on Thursday.
Arctic Blast Weekly Outlook
The arctic blast weekly outlook across the country shows a significant drop in temperatures, with many areas staying at or below freezing. 
Arctic blast weekly outlook across the country
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
Millions of Americans have already felt portions of this bitter arctic air from the Polar Vortex sweeping across the country. When there is a disruption in the Vortex, it becomes weak and pushes colder air south towards Canada and the U.S. On top of a La Niña winter, this has caused us to see typical temperatures for early February to appear in December.
Polar Vortex and La Niña Winter
The Polar Vortex is a circulation of air that forms over the polar regions during the winter months. When it is disrupted, it can cause cold air to push southwards, leading to extreme cold snaps. This, combined with a La Niña winter, has resulted in below-average temperatures across the country. 
Temperature lows in the Midwest after the arctic blast on Monday, Dec. 1
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
According to the FOX Weather Center, this new wave of Arctic air is set to surge across the country, where colder temperatures will begin to take effect. Many areas will stay at or below freezing, as the coldest air will linger over the High Plains and Upper Midwest, leaving cities like Chicago and Minneapolis to likely not climb above freezing for the duration of the week. 
New temperature lows set to hit the Midwest with fresh wave of Arctic air tomorrow morning
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
Record-Low Temperatures Expected
By Thursday and Friday, things will take an even bigger shift, as the weather pattern evolves, ushering in a stronger blast of colder Arctic air. The push will be even more frigid due to the colder temperatures leading up to the big blast. The Midwest will be the focal point for the coldest temperatures on Thursday, with widespread outlook readings between 10 and below zero. Iowa could reign in as a potential record-breaker for lows in cities such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, and Waterloo.
By Friday, the heart of the cold will expand to the I-95 corridor, where more record lows may fall across cities like Pittsburgh, New York, Indianapolis, and Baltimore. Morning temperatures across the Midwest and Great Lakes will be in the single digits, while the I-95 corridor will reach the upper 20s, making it 15 to 25 degrees below average for this time of year.
In total, over 40 record low temperatures are possible across the Northern Tier for both Thursday and Friday, and below-average temperatures are expected to remain in some regions through mid-December. For more information and updates, visit Here
Image Source: www.foxweather.com
