A polar vortex split is anticipated to bring a wave of frigid temperatures to New York and the broader Northeast region later this month. This meteorological event occurs when the polar vortex, the usual swirling mass of cold air over the North Pole, fractures into multiple lobes, causing Arctic air to drift southward. As a result, New York could experience temperatures plummeting 15 to 25 degrees below the average for this time of year, with some areas potentially facing single-digit lows. While this split increases the likelihood of cold weather, it does not automatically guarantee snowstorms, as sufficient moisture is also required for significant snowfall.