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Another polar vortex is headed to the Carolinas, with a major Arctic blast to follow

Photo via Recretos on "X"

If you thought last week was cold, hold onto your hot lattes and be ready to bundle up! Another winter storm is set to plunge arctic air deep into the Deep South by early next week. Residents should prepare for freezing conditions, with lows Monday and Tuesday night forecast to dip into single digits and teens in the Upstate.

January has already been colder than average in most states east of the Rocky Mountains for the first time in two years and now, more frigid air is coming. This next winter storm will bring rain, a wintery mix and possibly some of the coldest temperatures of the season. The polar vortex is expected to dip all the way into South Carolina early next week.

The polar vortex is an enormous ring of powerful winds spinning above the North Pole. It normally circles the Arctic and it typically stays contained by a strong jet stream, but when this ring of frigid arctic air becomes unstable and the jet stream weakens, it allows the cold arctic air to spill southward into the lower 48.

The first polar vortex of 2025 arrived in the Palmetto State on January 6th. During that week the vortex fueled a winter storm that dumped snow and ice across several southeastern states and brought snow, below-freezing and then ice to several parts of South Carolina.

The storm swept across the country, bringing dangerous snow, ice, and wind to millions, disrupting flights, closing schools, and impacting several major U.S. cities.

According to National Weather Service forecasters, "the southern lobe of the Polar Vortex” will generate a much more significant, frigid cold Arctic Blast that will graze across Canada and the United States through the second half of January. The disturbance in the Polar Vortex aloft will establish extreme cold conditions. Temperatures are forecast to plunge into a deep freeze, pushing 30-40 degrees below normal for tens of millions across North America. Brutally cold days and locally historic low temperatures are in the forecast.

It's important to remember that the forecast and the modeling data are still being fine tuned. So make sure you check your local forecast often as we head into the weekend.

With the evolution of this system still several days away, it's still too early to say how cold it will get in South Carolina. But for now, here is what you can expect:

Upstate:

Temperatures in the Upstate are set to plummet as the Arctic air mass arrives Sunday night. Expect to see rain Friday night, potentially creating wet conditions into Saturday. By Sunday night, the Arctic front will settle across the area, bringing bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chill values through midweek. Low temperatures Monday night could reach as low as 12°F, with similar conditions expected Tuesday night.

Midlands:

Rain moves out Sunday, then arctic air overspreads the southeastern U.S. on Monday. It is going to be COLD next week, with cold weather advisories likely. What is much less confident is the timing of any systems, along with any wintry precip potential. Several scenarios exist, with some dry into Friday, some snowy, and some with freezing rain/sleet. There are also timing differences with these systems. With that said, expect the cold and prepare for the potential for wintry precipitation.

Lowcountry:

Widespread rainfall is expected this weekend. Cold temperatures and wind chills are in the forecast for next week. Accumulating winter precipitation is also possible next week. If the storm system passes near or off the coast it could bring a wintry mix and very cold temperatures. This track of the low will be key to how much and what types of precipitation will fall. High temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday of next week may not get out of the 30s with lows in the 20s. And wind chills are expected to feel like 10-15 degrees. Cold Weather Advisories are likely.

Pee Dee:

Temperatures next week are expected to be well below normal, however the forecast regarding potential winter weather remains far less certain. At this point, we have high confidence in the cold temperatures, but low confidence on the potential for snow or a wintry mix.

By Monday, preparations should be in place to protect people, pets, and property. For the Upstate and Midlands, experts recommend wrapping pipes, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and limiting outdoor exposure during the coldest periods.

On Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, daytime highs will struggle to reach the mid 30s for much of the state. Sunshine will dominate much of the early week, with temperatures gradually rising by midweek but remaining below freezing overnight. Make sure to monitor local weather alerts and prepare for potentially icy conditions. Keep emergency supplies on hand and stay updated on weather developments.

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