Polar Vortex to Scythe through the U.S.

The Big Freeze could affect up to 220 million people across 44 states in the U.S.

Wind chill values of up to -35°F forecast this week

US Temperatures are forecast to plunge by as much as 30 degrees below average over parts of the Northern Plains.

The coldest weather of the season is expected to arrive in the next couple of days for the northern Rockies and northern Plains as a cold airmass moves out of Canada. Significant snowfall is likely for parts of the northern Rockies, northern Plains and Great Lakes region as the cold front moves southward. Winter Storm Watches, Warnings and Advisories are in place highlighting the associated risks.

A winter storm will bring heavy snow and gusty winds to portions of Northland today and tonight. The bulk of the snow, and best chance for totals in excess of 8 inches, will be along and south of a line from generally Duluth, MN to Brainerd, MN and across all of northern Wisconsin.

Additional snow will persist across the snow-belt region of northern Wisconsin through at least Wednesday, due to the cool north winds over Lake Superior. [NWS]

National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)
NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD
Issued 7 am EST Monday, November 10, 2014 (Last Update on 10 Nov 5:53 am MST)

Low Temperature for Monday, November 10, 2014
1ºF at Great Falls, MT

Humidity: 91%
Wind Speed: SW 6 MPH
Barometer: 30.09 in (1027.0 mb)
Dewpoint: -1°F (-18°C)
Visibility: 9.00 mi
Wind Chill: -11°F (-24°C)

High Temperature for Sunday, November 9, 2014
91ºF  at Yuma, AZ
91ºF  at Elsinore, CA

Arctic Blast from the Past

Typical polar vortex configuration in November 14-16, 2013. NOAA

Wavy polar vortex configuration on January 5, 2014. NOAA

Dangerous wind chills are expected beginning late Monday night through at least Wednesday! Wind chill values are expected to drop to -10°F to -20°F in many areas, and prolonged exposure to these conditions could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. The coldest wind chill values are expected Tuesday night through Wednesday morning and valleys near the Continental Divide could see wind chill values locally up to -35°F. 

Areas along the snowbelt region of northern Wisconsin can expect snowfall totals on the 20 inches or more by Thursday.  [NWS]