The temperature in St. John’s today was 7 degrees warmer than Las Vegas Nevada, but don’t expect those balmy temperatures to last.

A polar vortex that’s descended over much of North America is moving eastward across the province, meaning that temperatures will plunge well below zero in the coming days.

Environment Canada meteorologist David Neil says the severe cold may prove a bit of a shell shock to many Newfoundlanders who until now have enjoyed a relatively mild winter.

“We’re expecting those temperatures to really fall throughout tonight and through the day tomorrow as well” says Neil. Temperatures on the Avalon could drop to about -6 by mid-day tomorrow, and plunge into the minus double digits by tomorrow night. The cold will linger for a while after that, perhaps into the weekend.