Understanding the Arctic polar vortex - NOAA Climate.gov
Mar 5, 2021 · The Arctic polar vortex is a band of strong westerly winds that forms in the stratosphere between about 10 and 30 miles above the North Pole every winter. The winds enclose a large pool of extremely cold air.
Polar vortex maps show where arctic blast is set to freeze the …
Jan 17, 2025 · However, a deep freeze, thanks to the polar vortex dipping down from Siberia, is bringing an even harsher arctic blast to million Americans this week. Maps show what to expect as the cold front ...
Another blast of Arctic air: this time, with a stretched but strong ...
Jan 16, 2025 · The polar vortex strength, as measured by the speed of the winds around the 60N latitude circle and 10 hPa pressure level, remains stronger than average, and is currently forecast by most models to return to near-record strong wind speeds into early February.
The Polar Jet Stream and Polar Vortex | MIT Climate Portal
May 21, 2024 · The polar jet stream and polar vortex are two rings of fast-moving air around the Arctic, which, as the climate warms, may change in ways that cause some places to see more extreme cold spells during winter.
How the polar vortex fuels intense winter weather in the US - BBC
Jan 16, 2025 · What is the polar vortex? The polar vortex, or Arctic polar vortex, is a ring of strong westerly winds that form between 10 and 30 miles (16-48km) above the North Pole every winter,...
How the Polar Vortex Can Bring Arctic Blasts to the U.S.
Jan 15, 2025 · In normal conditions, the polar vortex spins tightly over the Arctic, allowing the polar jet stream—which blows by beneath and south of the polar vortex—to remain fairly smooth. “If the ...
Polar vortex | Meteorology, Climate Change, Arctic Weather
Jan 20, 2014 · Disruptions in the polar vortex can push part of the main region of frigid Arctic air southward thousands of kilometres, which produce wide-ranging “cold-air outbreaks” or “cold waves” that can decrease air temperatures to dangerous levels over populated areas of Eurasia or North America.
What is the polar vortex and how does it impact weather?
Jan 21, 2025 · The polar vortex is like a giant, swirling pool of super-cold air in the upper atmosphere over the North Pole. Imagine it like a children's spinning top. When the top is...
The polar vortex is acting up - NOAA Climate.gov
Jan 16, 2024 · The latest forecast says a major disruption of the polar vortex is on its way, but the stratosphere has been acting up for a while. Our bloggers explain what it might mean for U.S. weather.
Improving prediction of Arctic outbreaks across the Northern …
Jan 7, 2025 · The stratospheric polar vortex is a mass of cold whirling air bounded by the jet stream that forms 10 to 30 miles above the Arctic surface in response to the large north-south temperature difference that develops during winter. Generally, the stronger the winds, the more the air inside is isolated from lower latitudes, and the colder it gets ...