What Caused the Polar Vortex?

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Heavy snow blanketed the US as extremely low temperatures swept in from the north.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard about the major polar vortex that swept through the northern part of the US this week. With water freezing inside toilets, and the windchill dipping into Antarctic temperatures, it makes you wonder what could have possibly caused this storm… we have some answers right here!

The National Weather Service states that the polar vortex actually exists near the poles year-round, but it weakens in the summer and strengthens in the winter. Usually the counter-clockwise motion of the vortex keeps the cold air relatively contained near the poles, but during the winter, the vortex may expand or become unstable which sends arctic blasts shooting southward.

While it may be tempting to play in the snow, it is critical for you to stay warm and keep yourself safe. Temperatures this low can easily become lethal after only a few minutes. Stay inside, stay hydrated, and be sure to layer up to keep yourself as warm as possible.