As Michigan prepares for what is expected to be a near-record cold weekend, residents find themselves once again confronted by the infamous “polar vortex.” This meteorological phenomenon, characterized by swirling, frigid air from the Arctic Circle, is set to significantly impact the state’s winter weather.
The polar vortex typically remains contained within the Arctic region, but occasionally, disturbances weaken the systems that keep this icy air confined. Such is the case this weekend, as meteorologists indicate that a recent warmup in the stratosphere has dislodged a polar low-pressure system, allowing frigid air to flow southward into the northern United States.
“The polar jet stream usually confines that Arctic air to the north,” noted Kevin Kacan, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Detroit regional office. “When there’s a disturbance that breaks the northern track of the jet stream, it allows air to sink down into the northern U.S.”
In the Detroit area, forecasts predict highs near 8 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, dipping to -10 degrees overnight. Saturday is expected to see similar temperatures, with highs again reaching about 8 degrees and lows near -2. By Sunday, temperatures may rise to a high of 15 degrees, but the biting wind chills will make it feel even colder. These temperatures are close to the lowest highs ever recorded in Detroit for January 23 and 24, with previous records standing at 6 and 4 degrees, respectively.
Interestingly, temperatures in Michigan will be significantly colder than those in Point Barrow, Alaska, which is forecasted to have a high of 27 degrees. For parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, conditions will be even more severe, with daytime highs predicted to hover around -5 degrees on Friday and wind chills plummeting to a staggering -35 degrees overnight.
The polar vortex is likely contributing to these extreme low temperatures, especially given that the end of January through early February typically marks the coldest period of the year for Michigan. Moreover, weather patterns are further complicated by the presence of a weak La Niña system. Typically associated with cooler surface temperatures in the Pacific, La Niña can push cold, wintry conditions across the United States.
Kacan indicated that Michigan has experienced an above-average snowfall this winter, with 27.9 inches recorded so far, compared to an expected average of 19.2 inches. Polar vortexes or Arctic air intrusions, while fairly common, do not often reach as far south as Michigan. Notable cold outbreaks previously experienced by the U.S. occurred in years such as 1989, 1985, and 2014.
While cold Arctic air intrusions are a familiar winter occurrence for Michiganians, this current weather pattern promises to have a pronounced impact, reminding residents of winter’s fierce grip. As Michiganians deal with the challenges posed by this cold snap, it is a testament to the ever-changing nature of weather and climate, showcasing both the unpredictability and intensity of winter conditions in the Great Lakes region.