A triple polar vortex will plunge the central and eastern US into arctic cold through mid-December

Three rounds of cold Arctic air from the shifting polar vortex are expected to plunge much of the Central and Eastern U.S. into a cold snap in the coming weeks, forecasters said. The first wave of a triple whammy of the winter season is coming this week.

“This week will end with some of the coldest air of the season as it moves from the Midwest into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Renee Duff said.

Meteorologists forecast two more blasts of freezing temperatures for millions of people over the next two weeks.

“The displacement of the polar vortex is allowing arctic air to enter the central and eastern US,” Duff explained. “A second cold spell is in the forecast for next week, and a third round of cold air is likely in the middle of the month.”

When does the cold wind come?

Brutally cold temperatures hit parts of the Midwest Thursday morning, while the northern Mid-Atlantic and New England will feel the chill Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

“This week’s outbreak will likely be the first of three such rounds,” said Paul Pestelok, AccuWeather’s chief long-range meteorologist. “Another cold blast is likely next week and a third week after that.”

How cold will it be?

“Low temperatures in the negative single digits and midteens for the Midwest and single digits and midteens for the northern Mid-Atlantic/New England could challenge many daily record low temperatures,” the NWS said.

Along the Interstate 95 northeast corridor, forecasters predict temperatures will dip into the 10s and 20s as cold air moves east. Subzero temperatures are expected from the Dakotas and Minnesota to Iowa and Nebraska due to a blast of arctic air.

For the next two days, here are the general forecast high temperatures from the NWS:

• Central/Southern Plains East to Mid-Atlantic: 30s and 40s

• Texas and the Southeast: 40s and 50s

What is a polar vortex?

Let’s start with the “polar” part. A large area of ​​low pressure and cold air always surrounds the Earth’s North and South Poles. “Vortex” refers to the counterclockwise direction of wind that keeps cold air near both poles. During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s common for the polar vortex to expand, pushing cold air from the North Pole south along the jet stream, according to the NWS.

Be safe if you lose power

AccuWeather advises people to winterize their homes and water lines, and check their furnaces and order oil or propane as soon as possible.

Here are some things the American Red Cross suggests if you lose power and your main heat source:

• Only use generators, grills and camp stoves placed outside and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Never use a cooking stove or oven to heat your home, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires.

• Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights instead of candles because of the risk of fire.

• Close the rooms you don’t need.

• Use caution when using fireplaces and space heaters. Keep anything that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from the heat source.

Stay safe if you have to go out

The American Red Cross advises that if you must go outside, cover your skin as much as possible to avoid frostbite. Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing and hats; Wrist mittens are better than gloves. Wear a ski mask or scarf to help cover your face, and if possible, wear waterproof boots to help keep your feet dry.

Avoid the overexertion that often occurs when walking in deep snow; This can lead to a heart attack or more serious medical condition.