Texas Map Shows Counties Set to Freeze When Polar Vortex Hits

Swathes of Texas are forecast to be hit with freezing temperatures as a polar vortex is forecast to push frigid winds across the country. Why It Matters With Texas being one of the most populous U.S. states, the prospect of colder-than-usual temperatures would be unwelcome news for many. Wintry weather conditions, including ice and snow, can significantly impact travel safety and disrupt daily routines, such as causing school closures. Certain vulnerable populations, such as young infants and senior citizens, face increased health risks from the dangers associated with freezing temperatures. What To Know A forecast map created by Pivotal Weather. Swathes of Texas are forecast to see temperatures fall below 32 degrees. A forecast map created by Pivotal Weather. Swathes of Texas are forecast to see temperatures fall below 32 degrees. Pivotal Weather According to a forecast map by Pivotal Weather, based on data from the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts, the vast majority of the state could see temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the coldest temperatures are forecast for the Texas panhandle and northeastern parts of the state. In Lipscomb County, temperatures as low as 10 degrees were predicted. In Fannin County, residents could experience lows as cold as nine degrees. Moving south from central Texas, temperatures start to rise into the twenties. The data suggested that much of south Texas would be spared below-freezing temperatures, but most would still see the mercury in the low thirties to mid-forties. Pivotal Weather said the map was valid until January 7, although forecasts are often updated. The Arctic polar vortex is a strong band of west-to-east winds forming in the stratosphere during winter, approximately 10 to 30 miles above the North Pole. In the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, the polar vortex often expands, driving cold air southward alongside the jet stream, according to the agency. The National Weather Service (NWS) previously forecast that East Texas was most likely to see below-average temperatures, with an 80-90 percent probability. What People Are Saying Meteorologist Ben Noll wrote on X, formerly Twitter, 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 6th. “Frigid air will overtake just about the entire country.” What Happens Next Forecast models expect cold air to be pushed throughout the U.S. from early to mid-January. The NWS has encouraged the public to check their local forecast at weather.gov to dress appropriately for the conditions. While the agency emphasized no need for alarm regarding the polar vortex, it advised people to be prepared for colder temperatures. Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com