Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Polar Vortex Brings Record Snow and Frigid Temps

11/11/2025

38 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A polar vortex is causing extreme winter weather across the eastern U.S. on November 10, 2025.
In Chicago, lake-effect snow rates exceed 3 inches per hour, creating hazardous travel conditions.
An Arctic air mass has pushed temperatures down, with Atlanta dropping from 70°F to upper 30s.
Record low temperatures are expected in Birmingham, Baton Rouge, and Tampa, with warmer weather midweek.
Snowfall totals may exceed a foot in some regions.

History

Historical Context

The January 2014 polar vortex caused extreme cold across the U.S., with over 200 record low temperatures set, including -40°F wind chills in Chicago. This event, affecting 200 million people, highlighted the vulnerability of cities like Atlanta to sudden temperature drops and sparked discussions on climate change and infrastructure preparedness, echoing patterns observed since the late 20th century.

1 of 2

Story summary

A polar vortex is causing extreme winter weather across the eastern U.S. on November 10, 2025.
In Chicago, lake-effect snow rates exceed 3 inches per hour, creating hazardous travel conditions.
An Arctic air mass has pushed temperatures down, with Atlanta dropping from 70°F to upper 30s.
Record low temperatures are expected in Birmingham, Baton Rouge, and Tampa, with warmer weather midweek.
Snowfall totals may exceed a foot in some regions.

1 / 2