This week’s icy conditions will give way to a short-lived break with milder weather over the weekend, but another wave of bitter cold is expected next week, following a winter storm projected for Sunday, according to AccuWeather.

A polar vortex is predicted to unleash freezing temperatures stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast in the coming days. Although New York City is expected to enjoy highs in the 40s on Friday and Shabbos, the mercury is forecasted to drop to 26 on Monday, plunging even further into the teens by Tuesday.

The polar vortex refers to a rotating mass of frigid air situated at the North Pole that tends to grow in size during the winter months. When other weather systems disrupt the vortex, fragments of it can move southward, bringing intense cold spells.

The National Weather Service reports that the approaching Arctic blast “will deliver the coldest air-mass of the season to-date for much of the Lower 48.”

This week has already been far from warm, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing on most weekdays.

Thursday’s high is expected to hover at 32 degrees. A fast-moving clipper storm passing mainly to the north may bring light snow or flurries to the area late in the day or into the evening.

The more significant chance for snow arrives later in the weekend. While Friday and Saturday are likely to remain dry, rain and snow are anticipated in the Tri-State region starting Sunday afternoon and continuing into the evening. As temperatures drop sharply overnight, the snow could accumulate by late Sunday.

The frigid weather will tighten its grip on the area next week, with Tuesday forecasted to be the coldest day. Highs are expected to peak at just 18 degrees, while lows could plummet to around 8 degrees.

{Matzav.com}