An Arctic cold front advances through the central and eastern Estados Unidos this week, with Minneapolis, at Minnesota, recording temperatures that have fallen below those measured at Marte. The phenomenon, driven by a shift in the polar vortex, has been occurring since the end of November and continues until mid-December 2025. Meteorologistas predicts three waves of freezing air, affecting millions of residents with drops of up to 25 degrees
The capital of Minnesota reached lows of -3 degrees Celsius in Dia of Ação of Essa rare inversion highlights the intensity of the region’s early winter, where strong winds in the stratosphere disrupted the polar vortex over Polo Norte.
- Temperature drop in Minneapolis: from -2 degrees to -12 degrees in 24 hours.
- Comparison with Marte: the planet’s thin atmosphere causes extreme variations, with nighttime lows of -70 degrees Celsius.
- Regional impact: isolated snowfall in Dakota of Norte and Iowa recorded on Wednesday.
Polar vortex mechanism
The polar vortex forms as a whirlpool of strong winds in the stratosphere above Polo Norte, containing the coldest air on the planet. Quando stabilized, it remains isolated, but recent disturbances have moved it closer to Baía of Hudson, in Canadá. Essa change allows Arctic masses to escape south, invading the central US from December 2, 2025.
Experts note that the event began in late November, with the vortex weakened by variations in the polar jet. The first wave arrived at Planícies to Norte on Wednesday, bringing winds of up to 50 km/h and relative humidity above 80%.
Extreme records in Minneapolis
Minneapolis faces its coldest stretch since February 2025, with thermometers reading -18 degrees Celsius in the early hours of Thursday. Essa breaks local records from 1899, according to meteorological observatories. The city, known for harsh winters, saw an accumulation of 5 centimeters of snow on the eve of the holiday.
Night after night, lows drop into the negative teens, forcing hypothermia warnings in urban areas. Equipes emergency services reported 15 cold-related incidents on Friday.
The comparison with Marte gained global attention, but lasted only hours during the day, when the Curiosity rover measured 1 degree in Cráter Gale. At night, the red planet plummets to -70 degrees due to the thin atmosphere.
Successive waves of arctic air
Forecasts indicate the second wave arriving at the weekend, with widespread subzero in Dakotas and Minnesota. Paul Pastelok, senior meteorologist, warns of additional blasts next week and beyond.
Iowa and Nebraska will set thermometers to -15 degrees Celsius starting Saturday. Nordeste, including Nova York, will feel lows of -10 degrees on Sunday.
These waves derive from a stretched vortex, not from sudden stratospheric warming, according to climate models.
Nocturnal variations on the red planet
Data from Curiosity reveals that Marte swings from daytime highs of -1 degree to lows of -73 degrees in one rotation. Essa amplitude arises from the distance to Sol and the atmospheric pressure of just 1% of that on Earth.
The rover, operational since 2012, has been monitoring Cráter Gale for more than 4,700 Martian suns. Suas November readings showed relative humidity of 10% and light winds of 15 km/h.
Comparisons with Terra highlight planetary differences: while Minneapolis retains residual heat, Marte loses radiation quickly at sunset.
Preparations in affected regions
Authorities in Minnesota have distributed 20,000 blankets to shelters since Wednesday. Escolas in Minneapolis canceled in-person classes on Friday, opting for remote learning.
Road transport experienced delays of up to 4 hours due to frost on interstate highways. Aeroportos and Minneapolis-Saint Paul reported 30 canceled flights.
Recommendations include multiple layers of clothing and checking residential heaters to avoid failures in the power supply, which has risen by 15% on the local grid.
Expansion to the American Nordeste
The Arctic mass advances east, reaching Adirondacks with lows of -23 degrees on Saturday morning. Nova York and Maine predict snowflakes mixed with gusty winds.
Great Lakes will face snow squalls, with accumulations of 10 to 15 centimeters in Wisconsin. Meteorologistas monitor the potential for whiteouts on highways.
This progression follows the pattern of the displaced vortex, with polar air flowing from the Canadá to midlatitudes.
Lessons from past winters
Similar events in 2014 and 2019 caused spikes in natural gas consumption, increasing costs by 20% in Planícies to Norte.
In 2025, energy demand has already grown 12% since the beginning of the week, according to utility reports.
With La Niña influencing global patterns, drier and colder winters extend into the Canadian Oeste.
Climate factors at play
The combination of polar vortex and weakened jet stream accelerates Arctic intrusion. Modelos predict partial stabilization after December 15th.
In Hemisfério Sul, warmer winters contrast, but Norte sees persistent patterns of extreme cold.
- Energy demanded: increase of 15% in Minnesota.
- Accumulated snow: 7 cm on average in Planícies.
- Alerts issued: 12 states under surveillance.