What Is a Polar Vortex and Why Is It Making It So Cold Right Now?
6 years, 2 months ago

What Is a Polar Vortex and Why Is It Making It So Cold Right Now?

Slate  

As a frigid cold snap descends on the Midwest, threatening residents with temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero—in some places, the low will be the coldest seen in decades—experts are warning that the conditions could turn deadly. Scientists call these “sudden stratospheric warming” events, when a continent-sized chunk of rapidly sinking air quickly heats up and disrupts the polar circulation, sometimes completely disintegrating it. It’s a miserable scenario, but according to some meteorologists, the term “polar vortex” gets bandied about too much, even when it is technically involved in the punch of cold a region is facing. That’s because sometimes the cold air that blasts a region is not pushed down from the polar vortex itself but instead pulled down from the nearby air chilled by it. According to the AP, some scientists believe Americans should expect to see these types of cold snaps more often—a warming climate, they say, may mean more hot air to bust up the vortex, causing that cold air to swoop south and again make conditions dangerously cold.

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History of this topic

Scientists blame a powerful polar VORTEX miles above the Arctic for the cluster of devastating winter storms which led to deaths and power outages across the UK and Ireland
5 days, 15 hours ago

Scientists blame a powerful polar VORTEX miles above the Arctic for the cluster of devastating winter storms which led to deaths and power outages across the UK and Ireland

Daily Mail  

Devastating winter storms that led to deaths and power outages across the UK and Ireland were driven by an intense swirling vortex of winds miles above the Arctic, scientists have revealed. Pictured: map showing monthly maximum wind gusts for central-western Europe during February 2022, when the trio of storms battered the UK A woman died in Muswell Hill, north London, …

Polar Vortex collapse to bring severe winter weather with snowfall to Canada, US; What is it? How does it happen?
Trending News
4 weeks ago

Polar Vortex collapse to bring severe winter weather with snowfall to Canada, US; What is it? How does it happen?

Live Mint  

A polar vortex collapse is predicted to bring severe winter-like weather to parts of Canada and the US around the middle of this month. A polar vortex collapse occurs when the polar vortex, which is typically a stable, cold air mass circulating around the Arctic region, weakens or breaks apart, causing significant disruptions in weather patterns. A polar vortex collapses …

Polar Vortex collapse: US, Canada and UK brace for extreme freezing temperatures
Trending News
4 weeks ago

Polar Vortex collapse: US, Canada and UK brace for extreme freezing temperatures

Live Mint  

A polar vortex collapse is set to strike in mid-March, bringing severe winter weather and major travel disruptions across the US and Canada. This will be the second polar vortex collapse of 2025, following an earlier event that caused freezing conditions and transport chaos across North America. A polar vortex collapse occurs when the strong, cold winds that normally circulate …

Polar Vortex collapse set to send temperatures plunging in the US and Canada
Top News
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Polar Vortex collapse set to send temperatures plunging in the US and Canada

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A polar vortex collapse is …

Polar vortex makes much of US colder than Greenland, but warmth is coming. Then more cold
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Polar vortex makes much of US colder than Greenland, but warmth is coming. Then more cold

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The polar vortex hit its peak across much of America on Wednesday, with an icy grip that made Arctic Greenland seem like a toasty vacation spot in comparison. “They’re sending us the cold air there, we’re sending them the warm air,” said Judah Cohen, seasonal forecast director at the private firm Atmospheric and Environmental Research. “I don’t like …

Polar vortex makes much of US colder than Greenland, but warmth is coming. Then more cold
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Polar vortex makes much of US colder than Greenland, but warmth is coming. Then more cold

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I don't like it because I love the winter.” …

What is a polar vortex? US gets a taste of the Arctic this week
1 month, 2 weeks ago

What is a polar vortex? US gets a taste of the Arctic this week

Associated Press  

The term “polar vortex” usually refers to the gigantic circular upper air weather pattern in the Arctic region. But at times some of the vortex can break off or move south, bringing unusually cold weather south and permitting warmer weather to creep up north. Every U.S. state but Hawaii, California and Florida have some or all parts forecast to have …

Very cold weather is coming: US about to get chilliest polar vortex this winter
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Very cold weather is coming: US about to get chilliest polar vortex this winter

Deccan Chronicle  

The coldest burst of Arctic air this season is coming to put an icy exclamation point on America's winter of repeated polar vortex invasions, meteorologists warn. This will be the 10th time this winter that the polar vortex — which keeps the coldest of Arctic air penned in at the top of the world — stretches like a rubber band …

Very cold weather is coming. US about to get 10th and chilliest polar vortex this winter
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Very cold weather is coming. US about to get 10th and chilliest polar vortex this winter

Associated Press  

The coldest burst of Arctic air this season is coming to put an icy exclamation point on America’s winter of repeated polar vortex invasions, meteorologists warn. This will be the 10th time this winter that the polar vortex — which keeps the coldest of Arctic air penned in at the top of the world — stretches like a rubber band …

Record-breaking cold: Polar Vortex to freeze 89% of US next week
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Record-breaking cold: Polar Vortex to freeze 89% of US next week

India Today  

The coldest burst of Arctic air this season is coming to put an icy exclamation point on America’s winter of repeated polar vortex invasions, meteorologists warn. This will be the 10th time this winter that the polar vortex — which keeps the coldest of Arctic air penned in at the top of the world — stretches like a rubber band …

Urgent weather warning for 235m Americans as 'life-threatening' Polar Vortex set to bring brutal winds of -50F
2 months, 1 week ago

Urgent weather warning for 235m Americans as 'life-threatening' Polar Vortex set to bring brutal winds of -50F

Daily Mail  

An urgent warning has been issued for 235 million Americans as a 'life-threatening' polar vortex will drop temperatures as low as -50F. Winter Storm Enzo is expected to hit states along the Gulf Coast, including southern portions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, as well as the Florida panhandle, according to the National Weather Service. Florence, KY; …

Extreme Cold Alert: What is a Polar vortex, and why is it dangerous? Will it affect India?
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Extreme Cold Alert: What is a Polar vortex, and why is it dangerous? Will it affect India?

Live Mint  

Americans are preparing for dangerously cold temperatures on Thursday, with forecasts predicting life-threatening conditions and the coldest inauguration day in 40 years. The Arctic “polar vortex” is expected to bring nighttime lows as low as minus 23 degrees Fahrenheit to some of the northernmost parts of the United States over the weekend. When the polar vortex weakens or shifts, it …

Warning as polar vortex brings 'life-threatening' cold to US next week
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Warning as polar vortex brings 'life-threatening' cold to US next week

Daily Mail  

The United States is bracing for a severe cold spell as a polar vortex sends temperatures plunging to 'life-threatening' levels. The polar vortex is expected to engulf at least 20 states directly, including Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming. The combination of Arctic air and wind …

A polar vortex is set to grip much of the U.S. What does that mean?
2 months, 2 weeks ago

A polar vortex is set to grip much of the U.S. What does that mean?

NPR  

A polar vortex is set to grip much of the U.S. What does that mean? People living "basically anywhere from the Rockies eastward will see below-normal temperatures over the next several days," said Zack Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. Sponsor Message These conditions are all thanks to a familiar sounding occurrence: the polar vortex, …

Arctic blast expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures to the U.S.
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Arctic blast expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures to the U.S.

NPR  

Arctic blast expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures to the U.S. NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Axios senior climate reporter Andrew Freedman about the incoming Arctic blast that's expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures to large parts of the U.S. LEILA FADEL, HOST: Large swaths of the U.S. are about to get really cold. MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: That's because an …

How the polar vortex fuels intense winter weather in the US
2 months, 2 weeks ago

How the polar vortex fuels intense winter weather in the US

BBC  

How the polar vortex fuels intense winter weather in the US Getty Images Here's how the polar vortex, and climate change, influence extremely cold winter weather in the US. The polar vortex, or Arctic polar vortex, is a ring of strong westerly winds that form between 10 and 30 miles above the North Pole every winter, enclosing a large pool …

Why more frequent cold blasts could be coming from global warming
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Why more frequent cold blasts could be coming from global warming

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We're talking 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit across a …

Why more frequent cold blasts could be coming from global warming
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Why more frequent cold blasts could be coming from global warming

Associated Press  

Frigid air that normally stays trapped in the Arctic has escaped, plunging deep into the United States for an extended visit that is expected to provoke teeth-chattering but not be record-shattering. We’re talking 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit across a large portion of the eastern half of the country.” The worst will be in areas that just got hit with …

What is a polar vortex, the weather event causing winter storms in the US?
2 months, 4 weeks ago

What is a polar vortex, the weather event causing winter storms in the US?

Al Jazeera  

The expanding of the polar vortex – an area of cold air around the Arctic – southwards is causing cold spells in the US. The rising warm air from the lower atmosphere weakens the polar vortex, allowing it to sp Both types of polar vortexes are important for global atmospheric circulation and climate regulation. The 2013-14 polar vortex resulted in …

First polar vortex of 2025 will bring dangerously frosty temperatures for millions of Americans
3 months ago

First polar vortex of 2025 will bring dangerously frosty temperatures for millions of Americans

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The polar vortex will bring Arctic air across the country The cold may be so extreme that “this could …

US in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it’s climate change
1 year, 2 months ago

US in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it’s climate change

Associated Press  

Much of the United States is shivering through brutal cold as most of the rest of the world is feeling unusually warm weather. “When the Arctic is off-the-charts warm, we’re more likely to see frigid cold invade places like Texas that are ill-equipped to deal with it,” said Jennifer Francis, a Woodwell Research Center climate scientist and a pioneer in …

What is a polar vortex? Weather forecast UK 2023
2 years, 2 months ago

What is a polar vortex? Weather forecast UK 2023

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Forecasters have warned a “polar vortex” – the phenomenon that …

'It's frosty outside': How the polar vortex brought bitter cold to Asia this January
2 years, 2 months ago

'It's frosty outside': How the polar vortex brought bitter cold to Asia this January

Firstpost  

Mohe, China’s northernmost city, recorded a temperature of minus 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit _ this week. ‘The Rails of a Roller Coaster’ Scientists say Asia’s extreme cold is largely the result of the so-called polar vortex, the same weather phenomenon that brought exceptionally cold weather to the United States last month. “So if this program doesn’t function as it’s supposed to, …

What is the link between winter storms and global warming?
2 years, 3 months ago

What is the link between winter storms and global warming?

The Hindu  

The world is getting warmer, winters included. The United States, however, has experienced severe winter storms in recent years, and experts are taking a closer look at the link between these extreme cold events and climate change. Even so, "there are certain aspects of winter storms where the climate change linkages are fairly strong and robust," Michael Mann, a climatologist …

Global warming actually causing colder winters because its making polar vortex stretch south into US
3 years, 6 months ago

Global warming actually causing colder winters because its making polar vortex stretch south into US

Daily Mail  

Climate change is often associated with the Earth getting hotter, but a rise in greenhouse gasses is leading to chillier winters in the U.S. and Europe, according to scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Abnormal warming in the poles creates excess energy that causes the polar vortex phenomenon to weaken and split off into smaller 'sister' vortices that travel …

Study: Warmer Arctic led to killer cold in Texas, much of US
3 years, 7 months ago

Study: Warmer Arctic led to killer cold in Texas, much of US

Associated Press  

Warming of the Arctic caused by climate change has increased the number of polar vortex outbreaks, when frigid air from the far north bathes the central and eastern United States in killer cold, a study finds. “It is counterintuitive that a rapidly warming Arctic can lead to an increase in extreme cold in a place as far south as Texas, …

How polar vortex caused subzero temperatures from Greece to Texas
4 years, 1 month ago

How polar vortex caused subzero temperatures from Greece to Texas

Daily Mail  

All across the northern hemisphere from Athens, Greece, to Athens, Texas, snowfalls have blanketed streets and temperatures have plunged to freezing in places where winter usually requires no more than a jacket. The polar vortex has been causing strange weather across the Continent since the beginning of the year JERUSALEM: A general view taken on February 17, 2021 from the …

How the potent polar vortex brings Arctic's frigid weather, winter storms to mainland USA
4 years, 1 month ago

How the potent polar vortex brings Arctic's frigid weather, winter storms to mainland USA

Firstpost  

It’s as if the world has been turned upside-down, or at least its weather. Record cold also hit Europe this winter, earning the name the “Beast from the East.” “We’ve had everything you could possibly think of in the past week,” said Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini, noting that parts of the U.S. have been 50 degrees colder …

Warnings of severe cold return for Canada and US
6 years, 1 month ago

Warnings of severe cold return for Canada and US

Al Jazeera  

This year’s polar vortex hasn’t gone away yet and the centre of North America now adds windchill to the Arctic cold. Warnings have been issued of severe cold in central Canada and some northern US states, as windchill figures of -40 degrees Celsius in Alberta and nearly -50C in Montana were quoted. The term polar vortex is sometimes bandied about …

US Polar vortex: People are sharing the craziest things happening in the deep freeze
6 years, 2 months ago

US Polar vortex: People are sharing the craziest things happening in the deep freeze

The Independent  

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about …

Polar Vortex: What is the weather phenomenon and how should you prepare for one?
6 years, 2 months ago

Polar Vortex: What is the weather phenomenon and how should you prepare for one?

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The sudden extreme temperatures are the result of …

Record winter temperature, icy outbreaks and sudden warming to become more extreme
6 years, 2 months ago

Record winter temperature, icy outbreaks and sudden warming to become more extreme

Firstpost  

It might seem counterintuitive, but the dreaded polar vortex is bringing its icy grip to parts of the US thanks to a sudden blast of warm air in the Arctic. It’s called “sudden stratospheric warming.” That warmth split the polar vortex, leaving the pieces to wander, said Judah Cohen, a winter storm expert for Atmospheric Environmental Research, a commercial firm …

Science Says: Get used to polar vortex outbreaks
6 years, 2 months ago

Science Says: Get used to polar vortex outbreaks

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — It might seem counterintuitive, but the dreaded polar vortex is bringing its icy grip to parts of the U.S. thanks to a sudden blast of warm air in the Arctic. It’s called “sudden stratospheric warming.” That warmth split the polar vortex, leaving the pieces to wander, said Judah Cohen, a winter storm expert for Atmospheric Environmental Research, a …

Polar vortex strikes the US with dangerous sub-zero temperatures
6 years, 2 months ago

Polar vortex strikes the US with dangerous sub-zero temperatures

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A dangerous polar vortex …

Science Says: Why there’s a big chill in a warmer world
7 years, 3 months ago

Science Says: Why there’s a big chill in a warmer world

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Anchorage, Alaska, was warmer Tuesday than Jacksonville, Florida. “Then when it weakens, it causes like a dam to burst,” and the cold air heads south, said Judah Cohen, a winter storm expert for Atmospheric Environmental Research, a commercial firm outside Boston. The cold will continue and could actually worsen for much of the East Coast this weekend because …

Freezing polar vortex is about to hit the US after last deadly cold winter in 2014
8 years, 3 months ago

Freezing polar vortex is about to hit the US after last deadly cold winter in 2014

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The polar vortex could …

Are freezing winters CAUSED by global warming?
10 years, 6 months ago

Are freezing winters CAUSED by global warming?

Daily Mail  

Global warming could be triggering increasingly cold winters in some parts of the world, scientists have claimed. Researchers have discovered a link between rising ocean temperatures, and a large pocket of cold air known as the polar vortex. And as global warming continues to heats oceans, freezing winters could increase The polar vortex was responsible for the extreme and freezing …

Polar vortex: Deep meanders in vortex linked to global warming.
10 years, 6 months ago

Polar vortex: Deep meanders in vortex linked to global warming.

Slate  

Over the past year or so, I’ve written a few times on how the “polar vortex”—actually, deep meanders or excursions in the usually stable west-to-east direction of the polar cyclonic air stream—may be tied to global warming, but there hadn’t been enough research done yet to be sure. This prevents the normal circulation of air around the globe, so they’re …

New Study Links Polar Vortex to Climate Change
10 years, 6 months ago

New Study Links Polar Vortex to Climate Change

Slate  

As the last few days of summer linger, you’d be forgiven if you feel a wave of anxiety upon the inevitable return of crisp, cold mornings. Through a blend of statistical analysis of recent weather and computer modeling of a world in which rapid Arctic ice loss hadn’t occurred, the study establishes a link between the warming ocean, melting ice, …

Vortex factor in E. Antarctica glacier melt
11 years, 4 months ago

Vortex factor in E. Antarctica glacier melt

The Hindu  

While the effects of climate change on glaciers, ice sheets and ice shelves of Arctic, and Western Antarctica have been extensively studied, there has been little gathering of data on East Antarctica which has the world’s largest ice sheet. Data on 175 ocean-terminating glaciers along 5,400 kilometres of the East Antarctic ice sheet revealed three epochal patterns — sixty-three per …

'Arctic Oscilliation' Behind Season's Mixed Winter Weather
13 years, 2 months ago

'Arctic Oscilliation' Behind Season's Mixed Winter Weather

NPR  

'Arctic Oscilliation' Behind Season's Mixed Winter Weather For snow fans in the contiguous US, this winter has left much to be desired. The warm and mild season in the lower 48 and the wild snow dumps and cold weather up north in Alaska can be blamed largely on a weather pattern called "arctic oscillation." And it really influences our winter …

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