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Another Polar Vortex could bring massive snow to the Central and Northeastern regions of the United States over the weekend, FOX Weather reports.
Computer forecast model guidance shows that snow is expected to move into the Midwest on Saturday (December 13) and the Northeast on Sunday (December 14), though all aspects of any snowfall remain uncertain and both regions should monitor possible forecast changes further along in the week. The current FOX Forecast Center models show the circulation of the Polar Vortex weakening later this week into the weekend, which could result in more cold air in the Midwest and Northeast following record low temperatures set in New England on Tuesday (December 9).
The Polar Vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air located near the poles about 10-30 miles above the Earth's surface and a strong Polar Vortex keeps the coldest air contained over the arctic circles while a weaker Polar Vortex results in frigid air dropping to the lowest level of the atmosphere and dipping in the Pacific jet stream, bringing cold air to Canada and the lower 48 U.S. states.
Snow-making conditions for a quick-moving storm system, which are currently forecast, would be made possibly if enough cold air is able to take hold of the Midwest and Northeast over the weekend. The system, which is moving east out of the Pacific Northwest, would also need additional moisture to move up from the south in order for significant snow to be produced.
An area of low pressure could form if all conditions are met this weekend, which would increase the odds of a significant snowstorm in the Northeast, including the New York, Boston and Philadelphia metro areas.