Polar Vortex
How is the polar vortex affecting the United States?
The polar vortex is causing extreme cold conditions across the United States, pushing temperatures down to dangerous levels that extend as far south as the Mexico border. More than 87 million people across 22 states are under extreme cold advisories, with temperatures plunging significantly below normal levels. In Fort Worth, Texas, temperatures have dropped to 19 degrees, with wind chills feeling as low as minus 2 degrees, creating hazardous conditions in a region unaccustomed to such extreme cold. This unusual weather pattern is expected to be temporary, with forecasts indicating a return to milder temperatures in the 70s by next week.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:12
How severe is the polar vortex affecting the United States?
The polar vortex is causing extreme and dangerous weather conditions across 22 states, affecting over 87 million people. Wind chills in Montana plunged to a staggering minus 64 degrees on Tuesday, while a major winter storm is impacting southern regions with snow and sleet. The severe conditions have reached as far south as the Mexico border, with normally warmer areas like Fort Worth, Texas experiencing temperatures as low as 19 degrees. The sudden weather shift has led to treacherous road conditions, resulting in highway crashes in states like Arkansas, demonstrating the widespread impact of this extreme cold weather event.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)CBS News
00:12 - 00:25
How cold is it in Fort Worth during the polar vortex?
According to the CBS News Texas live report, Fort Worth is experiencing extreme cold with temperatures plunging to 19 degrees as a result of a polar vortex. The weather is significantly colder than usual for the area, with wind chill factors dropping as low as -2 degrees. This severe weather system is affecting not just Texas but has placed approximately 87 million people across 22 states under extreme cold advisories. Despite the current freezing conditions, the forecast indicates a dramatic shift, with temperatures potentially soaring back to the 70s by the following week.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)CBS News
00:25 - 00:36
When will the extreme cold temperatures in North Texas end?
The severe cold snap affecting North Texas is expected to last only another day or so before temperatures return to normal. The polar vortex that has plummeted temperatures to 19 degrees and created dangerous wind chills across 22 states will be short-lived. According to the report, temperatures will soon normalize and by next week, residents can expect a dramatic warming trend with temperatures rising back into the 70s. This significant weather shift will provide welcome relief to the 87 million people impacted by this rare freeze event.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)CBS News
01:42 - 01:52
What is causing dangerous temperature drops across the southern United States?
A polar vortex is pushing temperatures down to dangerous levels across the southern United States, extending as far south as the Mexico border. This extreme weather phenomenon has triggered cold advisories affecting more than 87 million people throughout 22 states. The severity of this cold snap is unusual for southern regions, creating hazardous conditions that require special attention from residents and authorities alike. The widespread nature of these extreme cold advisories highlights the significant impact of this weather system on a substantial portion of the country.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:12
Is 19 degrees normal for winter temperatures in Fort Worth, Texas?
According to CBS News Texas anchor Ken Molestina, 19 degrees is absolutely not normal for the Fort Worth area. The anchor reporting from Fort Worth confirms this unusually extreme cold is part of a larger weather system, with over 87 million people under extreme cold advisories due to a polar vortex. The severity of this cold snap is highlighted by the dramatic temperature drop - just a day earlier, temperatures were 40 degrees warmer. This Arctic blast has brought dangerously low wind chills across multiple states, reaching as low as minus 64 degrees in Montana, making this winter storm particularly notable for southern states like Texas where such extreme cold is rare.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)CBS News
00:25 - 00:44