An arctic air mass has descended into the United States, bringing record-breaking cold temperatures that will affect over 200 million people this week. A disrupted polar vortex is causing this frigid weather, which is expected to persist into December. The coldest air of the season is sweeping across the Plains, Midwest, Great Lakes, and into the Northeast, following a recent winter storm.

The polar vortex has weakened, allowing cold Arctic air to spill into the midlatitudes. This has resulted in temperatures dropping well below zero in many areas. Dangerous snow squalls, which can cause whiteout conditions and icy roads, are expected to accompany the cold air, particularly in upstate New York and central and northern New England.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings abou

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