Severe Cold Expected as Polar Vortex May Disrupt Weather Patterns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A polar vortex collapse is anticipated to bring extreme cold and travel disruptions across North America in mid-March, with potential impacts extending to the UK and Europe. This phenomenon, related to sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), could result in significant weather changes as Arctic air moves southward.

AccuWeather‘s Lead Meteorologist Paul Pastelok warned that the upcoming polar vortex disruption could lead to a notable displacement on the Europe and eastern Canada side. “When the polar vortex is disrupted — whether stretched, displaced, or split — it can impact the polar jet stream,” Pastelok explained. “However, the timing for North America remains uncertain, with possible changes in weather patterns expected by late March into early April.”

The polar vortex serves as a large area of low pressure and cold air circulating around the poles, influencing narrow wind bands, known as the jet stream, 8 to 11 kilometers above Earth’s surface. A weakened vortex can cause this jet stream to become unstable, allowing cold Arctic air to spill southward, which leads to unpredictable weather.

The last collapse in February resulted in severe weather that affected millions across the United States, resulting in deep freezes and widespread travel issues. As forecasters monitor the situation, Mr. Pastelok noted that there is a small chance of a “complete split” in the jet stream, which could last four to seven weeks, although a shorter displacement is deemed more likely.

In the UK, weather models suggest that the polar vortex disruption could create colder conditions following a brief respite from winter temperatures. The UK Met Office indicated that while SSWs do not always affect local weather, should they do so, the impacts may take several weeks to materialize at the surface. “If this happens, it could favor blocked or slowly evolving weather patterns for the remainder of March, potentially bringing colder weather to the UK,” they stated.

Overall, as this meteorological event develops, both meteorologists and residents across affected regions are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential significant weather changes.