Part 3/8:
A notable factor contributing to these upcoming winter conditions is the configuration of the jet stream. Currently, there are two distinct patterns: a subtropical jet stream over the Southern Tier and a dipping polar jet stream across the Northern Plains. The latter is responsible for channeling frigid Arctic air down into the United States. This anomalous northwesterly flow is expected to dominate the weather in the next few days, resulting in an influx of extremely cold air, culminating in temperatures that could rival some of the coldest recorded in years.