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Chicago Braces for Coldest Start Since 1876

Summary

  • Chicago faces its worst winter start since 1876.
  • Temperatures could plunge to -14 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Polar vortex disruption is causing extreme cold surges.
Chicago Braces for Coldest Start Since 1876

Chicago is confronting an exceptionally harsh beginning to winter, potentially marking the coldest start to December since 1876. Meteorologists indicate that temperatures could plummet to -14 degrees Fahrenheit in the coming days, a drastic departure from historical averages.

This severe cold is largely due to a disruption in the polar vortex. When this vortex weakens, it allows frigid Arctic air to surge southward, impacting regions like the Midwest with intense cold snaps. Several such cold surges are anticipated.

The combination of the polar vortex disruption and other factors, including La Niña, is contributing to these extreme temperature drops. This severe weather event poses significant risks and emphasizes the need for preparedness as winter's most brutal conditions arrive.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.
The last comparable start to winter in Chicago was in 1876, nearly 150 years ago.
The extreme cold is caused by disruptions to the polar vortex, allowing Arctic air to surge south.
Temperatures are expected to drop as low as -14 degrees Fahrenheit.

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