Every so often meteorologists seem to invent a new phrase. A few years ago it as "el nino." Then it was "la nina." The 2014 weather phrase that pays is "polar vortex."

"The polar vortex is essentially a mass of very cold air that usually hangs out above the Arctic Circle and is contained by strong winds," according to AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

This year, that mass of cold air felt like traveling south, so for the second time this year, the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Valley will endure several days in the teens and single digits. This includes Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Montreal and the Buffalo area.

Today in East Niagara, we'll see a high of 20 and a low of 10 with snow likely. Wednesday brings a high of 14 and a low of 6 with more snow likely. Thursday offers up more snow with a high of 15 and a low of 3.

Friday the sun will visit for a while, but it won't bring any warmth. The forecast high is 11 with a low of 7. Snow is back Saturday with a high of 18 and a low of 4. Polar Bear Sunday offers a high of 17 and a low of 7.

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