Such events distort the polar vortex, which causes Arctic air to descend into the U.S. and causes temperatures to plummet.

Vacancies remain in National Weather Service offices across the country, including in some of the coldest, snowiest parts of the country.

The blast of frigid temperatures follows days of snowy, icy conditions across much of the country. It's bringing the coldest air of the season so far to the Midwest and the Northeast. About 10 record lows are possible Thursday morning and 20 are likely Friday morning.

Watch out for freezing drizzle causing icy spots across Mass. this morning. Minor coastal flooding is also a risk. Bundle up for the Arctic blast later.

Forecasters are tracking two storm systems that could bring precipitation to New Jersey in the second half of next week.

No rest for the winter weary after the first significant snow of the season fell in Massachusetts on Tuesday. The weather forecast shows an early-season Arctic blast is on the way to the Boston area. A cold front will pass through New England Thursday afternoon, ushering in the coldest air since last winter.

An updated winter weather advisory was released by the NWS Blacksburg VA on Saturday at 5 a.m. in effect until 8 a.m. The advisory is for Stokes, Rockingham and Caswell counties.