A circumpolar vortex, or simply polar vortex, is a large region of cold, rotating air; polar vortices encircle both of Earth's polar regions. Polar vortices also exist on other rotating, low-obliquity planetary bodies. [1]

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term "vortex" refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles.

1 day ago · The polar vortex during the middle of January 2024 (and much of the 2023-2024 winter season) was often in a weakened and disrupted state. The main west-to-east winds that make up the vortex had weakened and were displaced off the pole, allowing warmer air into the Arctic stratosphere.

Jan 20, 2025 · The polar vortex is a large area of cold air and low pressure that normally spins over the North and South Poles. During the winter months and when the jet stream allows, this cold air can drop ...

Jan 16, 2025 · The polar vortex strength, as measured by the speed of the winds around the 60N latitude circle and 10 hPa pressure level, remains stronger than average, and is currently forecast by most models to return to near-record strong wind speeds into early February.

Jan 17, 2025 · These conditions are all thanks to a familiar sounding occurrence: the polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds the Earth's poles. The "vortex" is the...

May 21, 2024 · The polar jet stream and polar vortex are two rings of fast-moving air around the Arctic, which play a large role in world weather patterns. Many climate scientists believe that global warming is changing these rings, in ways that allow freezing air from the Arctic to intrude on the warmer mid-latitude regions.

Jan 21, 2025 · The polar vortex is a gigantic circular upper-air weather pattern in the Arctic that envelops the North Pole. It's a normal pattern that is stronger in the winter and tends to keep the coldest ...

Mar 5, 2021 · In this article, we’re talking to two NOAA experts about the devastating extreme cold event, the polar vortex, and the potential link to global warming. The Arctic polar vortex is a band of strong westerly winds that forms in the stratosphere between about 10 and 30 miles above the North Pole every winter.

Jan 20, 2014 · polar vortex, large area of persistent low pressure generally located above each of Earth’s polar regions and containing a mass of extremely cold air.