What is polar vortex? Major disruption expected across US and Canada

A powerful polar vortex In order to bring a dramatic change in weather conditions in the United States and Canada, it is predicted to fall within weeks. Meteorologists estimate that the incident will emerge in mid -March, marking the second major disruption of the polar vortex in 2025. The first collapse occurred in mid -February, which removes a deep freeze in most parts of Central and Eastern America.
The forecasts warn that this upcoming vortex disintegration can be particularly intense, also brings the position of the extreme winter, even close to the weather.
What is a polar vortex?
A polar vortex is a huge area of ​​low pressure and horrific air that usually surrounds the Earth’s poles. It strengthens during winter and weakens in summer, but sometimes, disruption of jet stream causes it to move it, causing the Arctic air a dip to the south. The polar vortex is present in the stratosphere, with winds of more than 155 mph in a stable position.
How will it affect the weather?
When the polar vortex remains strong, it contains cold air within the Arctic region, which maintains the pattern of a relatively stable weather. However, when it weakens or falls, the jet stream becomes unstable, allowing frigid arctic air to spread in low latitudes. This results in severe cold snaps, heavy snowfall and unexpected weather patterns.
The UK Met Office states: “A strong jet stream brings stormy and wet weather, while an weak an arctic air allows more frequent outbreaks of air, leading to cold temperature.”
What happens when the polar vortex collapses?
A polar vortex collapse, also known as a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) phenomenon, occurs when the stratosphere temperature rises rapidly – exceeds 50 ° C within a few days. This disturbance weakens the vortex, reverse its winds and allows the arctic wind to move south.
The Met Office says: “The cold air from the stratosphere sinks into the troposphere, it disturbs the jet stream, triggers the dramatic season shifts.”
As a march approach, the forecasts will continue to monitor the development, but the initial warning suggests the capacity for another round of extreme winter conditions in North America. The coming weeks can see a sharp recession in temperature, strengthening the winter grip and many hope for the arrival of spring.