The Polar Vortex is Moving South? Don't Panic Yet

Headlines often scream: "Epic Polar Vortex to rip through the country!" It sounds like a disaster movie, but the reality is less dramatic (though still cold).

1. What exactly is it?

The Polar Vortex is a permanent large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles. Think of it as a spinning cap that locks cold air at the top of the world.

• It's not new: It exists year-round, weakening in summer and strengthening in winter.
• It's not a storm: It sits high in the stratosphere, not on the ground where we live.

2. Why does it make us freeze?

The key is a "Broken Fence".

Normally, a fast-flowing river of air called the Jet Stream keeps the vortex contained. But if the Jet Stream weakens or gets wavy, a lobe of the Polar Vortex can "leak" southward into North America, Europe, or Asia.

This causes cold snaps. It's like leaving the freezer door open; the cold air spills into your kitchen.

3. Is Climate Change involved?

This is a hot topic. Some scientists believe that a warming Arctic reduces the temperature difference between the pole and the equator. This weakens the Jet Stream (the fence), making it easier for the Polar Vortex to wander south. Ironically, a warmer planet might cause occasional extreme freeze events in certain regions.

References: National Weather Service (NWS) & UK Met Office