US weather: Americans told 'not to breathe deeply or talk' outside as 'deadly' polar vortex causes temperatures to plummet

The US is experiencing some of the coldest weather in decades

A woman cross country skis in front of the US Capitol as snow continues to fall in Washington, DC (AFP/Getty)

Parts of America are facing temperatures colder than Antarctica this week, as a cold front sweeps through the upper midwest.

US officials are urging residents from northern states to stay inside as the deep freeze sets in across the county, bringing with it life-threatening conditions.

A blast of Arctic air from the polar vortex is causing temperatures to drop as low as -40C (-40F), and in some cases even colder.

Read below for our coverage of the weather on Wednesday, as it happened

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[30 January 2019 20:26 · Clark Mindock]

Dogs are getting some love online as the polar vortex keeps most inside, except those brave dog owners who need to take their pups out to relieve themselves.

Check out this dog's scarf, what a fashion statement:

And this pup's sandwich bag mittens? Get outta town!

[30 January 2019 20:30 · Clark Mindock]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is standing by and ready for any major impacts from the polar vortex.

[30 January 2019 20:40 · Clark Mindock]

Here is an amazing gif of Chicago's Lake Michigan, taken from a balcony just on the water.

via Gfycat

[30 January 2019 21:42 · Clark Mindock]

The extreme weather has hit parts of New York City, New Jersey, and other parts of the northern midAtlantic.

The squalls here in New York were pretty short lived, however — just about 20 minutes of snowfall in parts.

[30 January 2019 22:48 · Clark Mindock]

Thanks for reading along, that's a wrap on today's coverage of the weather.

​Stay safe and warm out there!