The polar vortex, a powerful upper-atmospheric phenomenon that traps cold air near the Arctic, is set to cause frigid conditions across the eastern United States. This comes as the vortex weakens and shifts southward, allowing cold, icy Arctic air to descend, sending temperatures dangerously close to low levels. Next week, the eastern part of the country will be hardest hit, with temperatures falling as much as 30 degrees below normal in some areas. This would be quite a change from the record warmth of last year’s winter season. This has led to upcoming severe, extended cold conditions across much of the country.
according to cnn, Temperatures are on pace to be the coldest this winter so far and will remain even colder during what is already the coldest time of the year. The cold will be widespread – more than 70% of the country’s population will experience cold over the next week – and will last through the month, increasing the chance of snowfall.
The first blast of cold air will hit the north-central US on Wednesday, with high temperatures expected in the single digits or teens in parts of Montana, the Dakotas and Minnesota. Cold air will spread to the south and east each day for the remainder of the week and throughout the weekend. The West will largely miss out on any significant cold, as has been the trend since at least the fall.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued key messages related to climate predictions. It says, “A significant pattern change is expected across much of the country as the Arctic fury is projected to spread from the northern plains to the south and east, bringing with it the extraordinary potential for below-normal temperatures across much of the East.” ” ,
What is the polar vortex?
According to the United States National Weather Service (NWS), the polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air around both of Earth’s poles. It is always present near the poles, but becomes weaker in summer and stronger in winter. The term “vortex” refers to the counterclockwise flow of air that helps maintain cold air near the poles. At times during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward along the jet stream (see graphic above). This occurs quite regularly during the winter and is often associated with large outbreaks of arctic air over the United States. What happened in January 2014 is similar to many other cold outbreaks that have occurred in the past, including several notable cold outbreaks in 1977, 1982, 1985, and 1989.
