The Notorious Polar Vortex May Return this Winter

Remember the polar vortex? Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center believe it has plans to make a comeback tour this winter, with stops in Minnesota.

Yes, it's true. Weather experts predict the 2016-2017 winter will be much colder and wetter up north, the Star Tribune reported. The forecast is the result of the global weather pattern La Nina.

While parts of the south may experience a warmer and drier winter this year, overall, forecaster are expecting a harsher winter for U.S. this year, including a return of the notorious polar vortex and the cold Arctic air brings into the U.S.

What is the Polar Vortex?

According to the National Weather Service, 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. Many times during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream (see graphic above). This occurs fairly regularly during wintertime and is often associated with large outbreaks of Arctic air in the United States.

The one that occurred January 2014 is similar to many other cold outbreaks that have occurred in the past, including several notable colder outbreaks in 1977, 1982, 1985 and 1989.

There are several things the polar vortex is not. Polar vortexes are not something new. The term “polar vortex” has only recently been popularized, bringing attention to a weather feature that has always been present. It is also not a feature that exists at the Earth’s surface. Weather forecasters examine the polar vortex by looking at conditions tens of thousands of feet up in the atmosphere; however, when we feel extremely cold air from the Arctic regions at Earth’s surface, it is sometimes associated with the polar vortex. This is not confined to the United States. Portions of Europe and Asia also experience cold surges connected to the polar vortex. By itself, the only danger to humans is the magnitude of how cold temperatures will get when the polar vortex expands, sending Arctic air southward into areas that are not typically that cold.

In short, there is no cause to be alarmed when you hear about the polar vortex, but you should be prepared for colder temperatures, officials say. It's a good idea to check the items in your home and car emergency kits at the beginning of each winter season to ensure you are prepared for any type of hazardous winter weather.

Image via кофе, Flickr, used under Creative Commons