4IntermediateGeneralEnvironment

The Polar Vortex Brings the Coldest Air This Winter

Forecasters say the coldest air of the whole winter is coming to the eastern United States. A polar vortex collapse is pushing freezing Arctic air from Canada into lower areas. Millions of people should prepare for dangerously cold temperatures.

1 min readLevel 4February 6, 2026

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

vortex

/ˈvɔːrtɛks/

noun

A spinning mass of air or water that pulls things toward its center

“The polar vortex is a large spinning area of cold air.”

collapse

/kəˈlæps/

noun

When something suddenly falls apart or stops working properly

“The collapse of the weather system caused extreme cold.”

brutal

/ˈbruːtəl/

adjective

Very harsh, unpleasant, or difficult to deal with

“The brutal winter made it hard to go outside.”

relentless

/rɪˈlɛntləs/

adjective

Never stopping or becoming less strong or severe

“The relentless cold weather lasted for many weeks.”

frigid

/ˈfrɪdʒɪd/

adjective

Extremely cold in temperature

“The frigid wind made everyone stay at home.”

persist

/pərˈsɪst/

verb

To continue for a long time without stopping or changing

“The cold weather will persist until the end of February.”

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Article

Click on any underlined word to see its definition. Highlighted words are from the vocabulary section.

Weather experts have a serious warning for Americans. The coldest air of the winter season is arriving. A polar vortex collapse is sending freezing Arctic air southward. The eastern United States will feel the worst effects. This brutal cold outbreak might last for weeks.

The polar vortex normally keeps cold air near the Arctic. It works like a spinning wall of wind around the poles. However, when this system weakens, cold air can escape. The freezing air then moves from Canada into the United States. Some areas could see temperatures drop 30 degrees below normal.

This winter has already been relentless for many Americans. A major winter storm in January caused millions to lose power. Nearly 80 people died from that storm across 16 states. Historic snowfall was recorded in North and South Carolina. Even Florida experienced record low temperatures this season.

Experts say the frigid pattern will persist through mid-February. Heating bills will continue to rise for many families. People should prepare by wearing warm layers and staying inside. If you must go outside, protect your face and hands. This cold weather could also bring more winter storms.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
What is causing the coldest air of the winter?
2
Which region of the United States is most affected?
3
Where does the cold air come from?
4
How many people died from the major winter storm in January?
5
How long will the frigid pattern last?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
What is the polar vortex, and what does it normally do?
2
Which part of the United States will feel the coldest temperatures?
3
What happens when the polar vortex weakens or collapses?
4
How has the winter of 2025-26 already affected people in the U.S.?
5
Why will heating bills continue to rise during this cold period?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
What is the coldest weather you have ever experienced?
2
How do you usually prepare for very cold weather?
3
Do you think winters are getting worse because of climate change?
4
Have you ever had problems with power during a storm?
5
Would you prefer to live in a very cold or very hot place?