The term “polar vortex” typically describes the massive and circular weather pattern found in the upper atmosphere of the Arctic region. This phenomenon is a regular occurrence, particularly more intense in the winter months, where it keeps some of the coldest air confined around the North Pole.
However, there are times when portions of the polar vortex can break away or shift southward, leading to the plunge of frigid weather into lower latitudes, while allowing milder temperatures to push further north.
Currently, the United States is facing the 10th and most severe polar vortex event this winter season. Weather dynamics from the Arctic are working together to push this cold air mass into both the U.S. and Europe.
This winter has proven to be anything but typical, with unusual weather events such as record snowfalls in New Orleans last month, followed by droughts and destructive wildfires in Southern California.
The latest forecast indicates a significant cold wave, which will bring extremely low temperatures to regions in the Northern and Central Plains starting this Sunday.
In North Dakota, wind chills reached a staggering minus 60 Fahrenheit (minus 51 Celsius) on Monday, while parts of Montana experienced wind chills of minus 50°F (minus 46°C). Meteorologists predict that these chilling winds may lead to even lower temperatures Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning on Monday concerning the dangers of these frigid conditions, stating, “Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.”
Moreover, strong winds are expected to exacerbate the cold, making it feel even more severe. The NWS anticipates that every U.S. state, except for Hawaii, California, and Florida, has at least some areas that are likely to experience wind chills of 20 degrees or below during the upcoming week.
Experts have noted that disturbances in the polar vortex appear to be occurring more frequently, potentially due to global warming. A warmer Arctic can provide increased energy to atmospheric waves, which drive weather patterns; this, in turn, can lead to more instances of the vortex being disrupted and cold air moving further south.
Despite the unusually cold temperatures being recorded in much of the United States, the larger trend indicates that the planet is still warming overall. Earth’s average global temperature achieved a new monthly record high in January. It marked the 18th out of the last 19 months that global temperatures hit or surpassed the internationally recognized warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius (or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.
