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What Is a Polar Vortex?

weatherscience

Quick Answer

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air spinning counterclockwise around the poles in the upper atmosphere.

The Full Story

The polar vortex is a persistent circulation in the stratosphere that intensifies during winter when the pole receives no sunlight. The temperature contrast between the cold polar region and warmer mid-latitudes drives strong westerly winds. When the vortex is strong, it keeps frigid Arctic air near the pole. But when it weakens — often by sudden stratospheric warming events — lobes of extremely cold air can spill southward into mid-latitudes, causing severe cold snaps. The term gained public attention during the brutal North American winters of 2014 and 2019.

Key Facts

1.The polar vortex exists year-round but is much stronger in winter.
2.Sudden stratospheric warming events can raise polar stratospheric temperatures by 40–50 degrees in just a few days.
3.Both poles have a polar vortex, but the Arctic one is weaker and more prone to disruption.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Arctic Blast — What the Polar Vortex Really Is"