USA Hit by Extreme Cold from Polar Vortex

USA Hit by Extreme Cold from Polar Vortex

The extreme cold spell affecting the USA and Canada is due to an Arctic blast caused by the southward shift of the polar vortex.

Polar Vortex Overview
The polar vortex is a large, low-pressure system of cold air that rotates counterclockwise around the poles. It consists of two types:

• Tropospheric: Forms near Earth's surface up to 10-15 km high.
• Stratospheric: Forms 15-50 km above and is most intense in autumn.

• Arctic Blast: A disruption of the vortex sends cold air from the Arctic to lower latitudes, causing severe weather.
• Extreme Weather: A weakened vortex leads to colder temperatures in affected regions.
• Ozone Depletion: The vortex traps cold air, accelerating ozone layer thinning, particularly over Antarctica.
• Impact on India: A weakened vortex triggers more western disturbances, causing heavy snowfall in the Himalayas and cooler temperatures in northern India.

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