The Polar Vortex,an atmospheric phenomenon that shapes our winter weather,has been gaining attention as it undergoes changes that could signal a shift in Earth's climate. This high-altitude, rotating ...

Two newly identified patterns in the stratospheric polar vortex can send cold air over North America to cause extreme cold snaps, but the parts of the country that suffer differ between them. Those ...

What we call the polar vortex -- a spin in the atmosphere -- can't actually be felt in the U.S. or anywhere on Earth. It doesnâ t ice over too often ...

When the polar vortex stretches, North America feels the chill. New research reveals some of the stratospheric patterns ...

One way to track the polar vortex is through potential vorticity, which describes the amount of rotational energy, or "spin," in a parcel of air. This animation shows daily potential vorticity in ...

Weather analysts are divided over the polar vortex’s influence on weather and what that means for the rest of this year’s winter. The polar vortex is an area of low pressure and cold air that ...

A polar vortex collapse occurs when the layer between 10 and 50km above Earth’s surface warms up to 50 degrees in just two days - known as sudden stratospheric warming (SSW).

Polar Vortex forecast from March 6 to March 20, 2025. (source: Judah Cohen, AER) Judah Cohen The stratosphere actually warms an incredible amount in a short time during these SSW’s.

During the winter, the polar vortex is a regular player in the weather game. It’s not always the same every year, but it’s a common occurrence.