A polar vortex collapse is expected over the next two weeks, with experts warning the weather phenomenon could send mercury plummeting across North America.
The shock meteorological change is predicted to develop in mid-March, bringing severe cold temperatures to parts of Canada and the United States.
There have also been growing concerns that the polar vortex may impact the UK and mainland Europe.
Such an incident will be the second polar vortex collapse of 2025, following February's event that caused deep freezes and travel disruption across North America.
A man walking along a snowy street in Canada
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A polar vortex collapse occurs when the layer between 10km and 50km above Earth's surface warms up to 50 degrees in just two days.
The shift, known as sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), results in a weakening of the polar vortex, which is a large area of low pressure and cold air rotating around the North and South poles.
When weakened, the vortex allows cold Arctic air to move southwards.
This displacement of frigid air can lead to extreme weather conditions and unpredictable patterns.
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Max wind gusts in North America in mid-March
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AccuWeather's Lead Meteorologist Paul Pastelok told The Independent: "We are predicting a displacement of the polar vortex on the Europe and eastern Canada side of the polar."
"When the Polar Vortex is disrupted - whether stretched, displaced, or split - it can, but does not always, impact this polar jet stream."
"The timing is uncertain for North America but could see a change in the pattern for late March into early April."
Pastelok noted there is a small chance of a "complete split" in the jet stream pattern, which could last four to seven weeks.
A "displacement" is more likely, affecting Europe and central and eastern North America.
The polar vortex corresponds with narrow bands of wind 8 to 11 kilometres above Earth's surface, known as the jet stream.
When the vortex is weakened, the jet stream becomes less stable.
An image highlighting the impact of a Polar VortexThis instability allows cold polar air to spill southward, with the result often being extreme and unpredictable weather patterns.
Last month's polar vortex collapse led to snow, storms, and sub-zero temperatures.
Millions of Americans were affected, with the majority of the country experiencing severe winter conditions.
If the upcoming disruption weakens the jet stream, it may again release Arctic air into populated regions.
The weather event may also impact the UK, with forecasters warning of potential temperature drops after a brief warm spell this week.
The UK Met Office told the Independent: "SSWs don't always impact our weather but if they do it can take a few weeks before impacts might be felt on the earth surface."
They added: "If this happens this would act as a factor in favouring blocked/slowly evolving patterns for the remainder of March and could bring colder weather to the UK."
