Winter weather may have a few surprises in store, and meteorologists are watching a developing atmospheric situation that could have bigger implications in the weeks ahead. A potentially historic development is approaching, with the Fox Forecast Center identifying two possible timeframes for a major change.

This development is actually just hours or days away. Here’s what this means for the United States and how could it signal an early taste of winter.

A Major Polar Vortex Disruption Could Be Developing

The polar vortex is already looking unusually weak, and weather experts are keeping a close eye on what could happen next. A major disruption could develop as soon as the next 24 hours, although another possible window is about a week away. Fox Weather reports that if it happens, it could be the earliest major polar vortex disruption ever recorded, potentially setting the stage for some interesting changes to North America’s weather as fall continues.

So, what exactly is the polar vortex?…