(CNN) A weak polar vortex will help usher in record cold air to the eastern half of the country this weekend. Record cold temperatures are setting the stage for a possible nor'easter Friday night into Saturday"Over 83 million Americans will drop below freezing over the next few days," CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen says. Blame the polar vortexThe polar vortex was so strong this winter and spring it lead to the largest-ever Arctic ozone hole , but not big outbreaks of cold weather. On occasion, this vortex can become distorted and dip much farther south than you would typically find it, allowing cold air to spill southward. Now the polar vortex is weakening, allowing Arctic air to spill out -- leading to plunging temperatures in the East this weekend.

Source: CNN May 08, 2020 08:48 UTC