A polar vortex has descended upon the northern United States, triggering a severe cold snap and sending temperatures plummeting far below average for this time of year. The intense cold, originating from the Arctic, is particularly affecting states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, where temperatures are reaching as low as 10°F (-12°C). The wind chill is exacerbating the situation, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, prompting the National Weather Service to issue urgent advisories.