Very cold air is coming from the Arctic. This is called an Arctic air mass.

What kind of weather is happening?

It is very cold with freezing temperatures. There is also snow and ice in many areas.

Is this happening in only one place?

No, this cold air is affecting both the United Kingdom and the eastern United States.

What is the polar vortex?

The polar vortex is a large area of cold air that usually stays near the North Pole. Sometimes it moves south and brings cold weather.

What should people do?

People should stay warm and be careful when traveling because of snow and ice.

Cold Arctic Air Brings Freezing Temperatures and Snow to UK and US

Bitter Cold Grips Continents as Arctic Systems Move In

A wave of intensely cold air, originating from Arctic regions, has significantly impacted both the United Kingdom and large areas of the United States. This cold spell is marked by plummeting temperatures, bringing the risk of frostbite, and in many areas, snowfall. The widespread nature of these events underscores a shared meteorological phenomenon affecting diverse geographic locations with severe winter conditions.

Temperatures dip below freezing as arctic air sweeps across the UK - 1

Cold Snap Descends on the United Kingdom

The UK has experienced a notable drop in temperatures as Arctic air moved across the country. This led to widespread frost and snow, particularly in Scotland.

Temperatures dip below freezing as arctic air sweeps across the UK - 2

Weather Warnings Issued: Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice were active across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Precipitation Shifts: As a weather system met the colder air, rain was observed turning into snow in various regions.
Temperature Extremes: Saturday was forecast to be the coldest day, with top temperatures hovering around -1C to 2C. Southern England saw snow temporarily before it reverted to rain as milder air approached.
Specific Warnings:
North-east Scotland, including Orkney and Shetland, faced snow and ice warnings until Friday morning.
North-west England, western Scotland, and parts of Northern Ireland were under an ice warning.
A broader snow and ice warning covered most of England (excluding the South-West) and all of Wales from Saturday afternoon into Sunday.
Scotland, except for the far north, had a snow warning from Sunday morning until Monday midday.

Arctic Air Engulfs Eastern United States

Much of the eastern United States is under the influence of Arctic air, bringing some of the coldest weather of the season and setting new temperature records in some areas.

Temperatures dip below freezing as arctic air sweeps across the UK - 3

Widespread Cold: The cold air affected the eastern two-thirds of the US, impacting millions of people with gusty winds and lower temperatures.
Record Lows: Several locations, particularly in the Southeast, experienced record low temperatures. Florida also saw unseasonably cold conditions.
Snowfall Reported: Snow was observed as far south as Georgia, with hazardous travel conditions reported in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The Great Lakes region also experienced lake-effect snow.
Florida Chill: Even Florida experienced chilly temperatures, with wind chills forecast to reach the 30s Fahrenheit. Some areas that had been in the 80s Fahrenheit just a day prior faced record low temperatures.

Polar Vortex Influence and Potential for Further Cold

Forecasters have indicated that the current cold conditions may be linked to the influence of the polar vortex.

Temperatures dip below freezing as arctic air sweeps across the UK - 4

Multiple Systems Expected: The first of three polar vortex systems was anticipated in December, suggesting a prolonged period of cold weather.
Wind Chill Factor: Cold temperatures combined with wind can make it feel significantly colder, increasing the risk of frostbite.
Continued Cold: Further shifts in the polar vortex were projected to bring more cold air across the US through mid-December.

Expert Commentary

Weather services like AccuWeather and the National Weather Service, alongside publications such as USA TODAY and the Associated Press, have provided detailed analyses of the incoming cold air and its potential impacts. These reports emphasize the significant temperature drops and the associated weather events, including snow and ice.

Summary of Findings

The current meteorological situation involves a substantial influx of Arctic air affecting both the UK and the eastern United States. This has resulted in:

Significant Temperature Declines: Freezing temperatures and frost are widespread.
Snowfall and Ice: Accumulations of snow and icy conditions have been reported, causing travel disruptions.
Record Temperatures: Daily record low temperatures have been broken in parts of the US, particularly in the Southeast.
Polar Vortex Connection: The events are linked to polar vortex activity, with the potential for continued cold weather.

The primary implications are increased risks to public health due to cold exposure and disruptions to daily life caused by adverse weather conditions.

Sources:

Cold Arctic Air Brings Freezing Temperatures and Snow to UK and US