Sunday morning I blogged Polar vortex in May? Looks like it. You may want to hold off planting those tender annuals. Right on schedule, the cold air is arriving with the coldest air scheduled to cross the eastern US Friday into Sunday.
Rain may mix with snow Friday in parts of Ohio and a slushy accumulation can’t be ruled out in spots. A hard freeze is forecast in the Ohio valley Saturday morning. Freeze watches are already out for most of the Ohio valley and as far south as central and eastern Tennessee and even north Georgia.
Record snows are possible in northern New England on Mother’s Day!
The term “polar vortex” is often misused and abused in the media. The National Weather Service reminds us that the polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term “vortex” refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles.
Forecasts and projections in this post are from NOAA US National Weather Service. Commentary from other meteorologists may also be employed in analysis as well as my 50 years as a weather watcher and horticulturist.