The polar vortex, a persistent area of low pressure and extremely cold air over Earth's poles, is set to bring two significant cold air outbreaks to the United States in January 2026. According to USA Today, the first wave of cold air will arrive over the weekend of January 17, followed by a potentially more extreme blast the following week. Meteorologists Judah Cohen and Ryan Maue have indicated that the second round could be historic, with frigid Arctic air spilling southward into North America. The polar vortex, which strengthens in winter, is currently stretched, allowing cold air to move into the U.S., Europe, and Asia. This phenomenon is expected to bring below-normal temperatures to the Eastern U.S., with potential impacts on snow patterns, particularly in lake effect regions around the Great Lakes and Northern New England.