A critical blockade against some of nature’s coldest air has temporarily broken down—and much earlier in the year than normal. Disruptions in this circulation, known as the polar vortex, often push intensely cold air out of the Arctic toward lower latitudes.
Experts still aren’t entirely sure how the current collapse will play out in our everyday weather. But it’s another sign that we may be in for a wild ride over the weeks and months to come.
What Is the Polar Vortex?
The polar vortex is a band of upper-level winds wrapping around the Arctic Circle like a dam. This circulation is usually strong and stable, helping to keep the season’s coldest air locked near the North Pole. But the winds occasionally weaken or even reverse course, which can set off an atmospheric chain reaction, allowing bitterly cold air to spill southward.
