A major cold front, caused by a disrupted polar vortex, is set to bring life-threatening temperatures to more than 30 U.S. states, starting this weekend and lasting into next week.

The cold blast will affect millions, with temperatures plunging well below freezing in many areas, including major cities like New York and Atlanta, as Fox Weather reports.

The polar vortex, which is a large pocket of cold air that typically stays in the Arctic region, has shifted, sending frigid temperatures deep into the U.S. It will bring temperatures as much as 45 degrees below average to large parts of the country. From the Plains to the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast, temperatures will drop significantly, and some areas will experience below-zero conditions.

By Monday, more than 100 million Americans will feel the effects of the cold. The cold front will extend across almost every state in the Lower 48, leaving only South Florida unaffected. Temperatures will drop well below freezing in cities not accustomed to such extreme cold, creating potentially hazardous conditions for residents.

Cold Weather Alerts and Safety Measures in Affected Cities

As temperatures drop, public officials in major cities are taking precautions to protect residents. New York City, which is likely to see its coldest temperatures in years, has issued a Cold Weather Alert and declared a Cold Blue. The New York City Department of Public Health has activated its outreach teams to help vulnerable individuals access shelters, ensuring no homeless person seeking shelter is turned away.

In Atlanta, residents are being warned to prepare for a significant cold wave, with temperatures expected to drop into the teens on Monday morning. The extreme cold will also cause dangerous wind chills, with some areas experiencing wind chills as low as -50 degrees. This is especially concerning in cities like Atlanta, where such extreme cold is a rare event.

Meteorologists warn that this is one of those rare events when arctic air invades much of the country, even reaching the Gulf Coast. FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin explained that such cold outbreaks are unusual but still possible, especially during mid-winter months. “If you’re a snowbird, you like to escape down to the South -- there’s no escaping this. Everyone will feel it,” she said.

Preparing for Life-Threatening Cold Across U.S.

Residents in cold-affected areas are urged to take immediate steps to stay safe. Experts caution that, in addition to the cold temperatures, the wind chill will make conditions feel even colder, adding a dangerous layer to the weather. In some parts of the country, it will feel like negative 50 degrees due to the wind.

These extreme temperatures could cause health problems, especially for the elderly, young children, and those with medical conditions. With below-freezing temperatures expected to last through much of next week, people are advised to stay indoors when possible and take necessary precautions when venturing outside.

Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, are particularly vulnerable to the cold front. These areas could face additional challenges as they deal with both cold temperatures and the aftermath of the recent hurricane damage.

National Impact of Polar Vortex

This cold blast is expected to affect nearly all of the U.S. population, including the Midwest, Northeast, and Southern states. The polar vortex’s cold air is predicted to settle over large areas, bringing much colder than usual temperatures for January. As the cold moves eastward, many areas will experience a drastic drop in temperatures, and residents should be prepared for potentially dangerous conditions.

In addition to the cold front’s impact on cities like New York and Atlanta, the chilly weather will stretch across nearly all of the country, with widespread freezing conditions from the Plains to the Great Lakes. As cold air sweeps southward, temperatures will drop well below freezing, making the impact of this cold front feel even more extreme.

A Winter Challenge for Millions

While South Florida will be spared from the harshest cold, cities from Minneapolis to New York will experience temperatures that haven’t been seen in years. As meteorologists warn, this is one of those rare weather systems that can bring arctic conditions all the way down to the Gulf Coast. Such widespread cold will affect millions of people, forcing residents to adjust quickly to the extreme conditions.

With temperatures expected to dip below zero in many places, the weather could be life-threatening. According to Merwin, the wind chill alone will make it feel as cold as -50 degrees in some regions. Residents in affected cities are strongly advised to heed warnings from local authorities and take necessary actions to stay safe.

Protecting the Vulnerable and Preparing for the Worst

In response to the dangerous cold, emergency management teams are preparing to assist vulnerable populations. New York City’s outreach teams will canvass all five boroughs to help those who may be affected by the extreme cold, offering shelter and support. The city’s Cold Blue alert will remain in effect until the cold snap passes, ensuring that no homeless person is left without shelter.

In Atlanta, authorities are reminding residents to prepare for dangerously cold conditions, especially since the city is not typically accustomed to such low temperatures. The city is expected to feel the brunt of the cold early Monday morning, with wind chills that could make conditions even worse. Residents are urged to stay indoors and limit exposure to the harsh temperatures.

Conclusion: Unprecedented Cold Front Moving Across the U.S.

As the polar vortex settles over much of the U.S., millions of Americans face dangerously cold temperatures and severe wind chills.

From New York to Atlanta, this cold snap is expected to bring some of the coldest January temperatures in years.

With emergency services on alert, residents are urged to prepare for the extreme weather and stay safe during this unprecedented cold blast.