❄️ Here’s what to expect—and how to prep:
December 2025 is shaping up to be colder and snowier than usual thanks to a rare disruption in the polar vortex. Scientists are watching for colder than normal conditions to develop in the mid-latitudes over the next month or so. Once the polar vortex is disrupted, it can take a month or more to recover, said Andrea Lopez Lang, a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “We can see more active and shifted storm tracks and increases in cold air outbreaks in regions across the Northern Hemisphere,” she said.
What It Means for Us
- Colder temperatures: Expect below-average temperatures across much of the U.S., especially in the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the South.
- Snowier conditions: With Arctic air mixing into storm systems, snow chances rise earlier than usual, potentially leading to travel headaches during the holiday season.
- Longer-lasting winter: Instead of a quick cold snap, this pattern could lock in chilly weather well into January.
A practical winter prep guide so you can stay safe, warm, and ready:
🏠 Home Prep
- Insulate windows and doors: Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers to keep the cold out.
- Check heating systems: Have your furnace or boiler serviced before the deep freeze sets in.
- Stock emergency supplies: Flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a backup heat source if possible.
- Protect pipes: Wrap exposed pipes or let faucets drip to prevent freezing.
🚗 Car Prep
- Winterize your vehicle: Check antifreeze, battery, and tire tread.
- Keep a car kit: Include jumper cables, ice scraper, shovel, and warm clothing.
- Maintain fuel levels: Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze.
👤 Personal Prep
- Layer clothing: Base layer for warmth, middle layer for insulation, outer layer for wind/water protection.
- Stay hydrated: Cold weather dehydrates too, so drink water regularly.
- Plan ahead: Check forecasts before traveling and allow extra time for delays.
🛒 Supplies to Have Ready
- Non-perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, and dry staples.
- Water reserve: At least a few gallons per person in case of outages.
- Backup power: Portable chargers or generators for phones and essentials.
