According to the NWS, the Arctic polar vortex is a powerful band of west-to-east winds that develops in the stratosphere, about 10 to 30 miles above the North Pole, during the winter season. It is always present near the poles, though it weakens during summer and intensifies in winter.

Dangerous arctic air plunging south from the Canadian border down to the southern states brings record setting cold temperatures. Life-threatening wind chills across the Rockies, Northern Plains and upper Midwest are expected.

The FOX Forecast Center is tracking an arctic blast of life-threatening cold weather thanks to the polar vortex. America will feel the coldest temperatures this season next week as the polar vortex pushes bone-chilling cold air south into the states.