The disruption of the polar vortex could increase the likelihood of Arctic air moving southward, potentially leading to colder weather in North America. However, the FOX Forecast Center notes that immediate impacts are unlikely, as changes in the stratosphere take weeks to influence surface weather. For now, the coldest air is expected to remain concentrated in Eastern Europe and Siberia. In the U.S., the strengthening El Niño is expected to keep temperatures above average, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, reducing the chances of prolonged Arctic air outbreaks.