Polar vortices are often dreaded for bringing brutally cold air and strong winds during winter. Recent studies show these weather events are becoming more severe due to rising Arctic temperatures. Scientists highlight an increase in polar vortex intensity despite warmer average winter temperatures in North America. Notably, the strongest cold anomalies have shifted west of the Mississippi River over the past decade. Melting sea ice may have consequences for future winter weather patterns as well and could lead to improved forecasting techniques.
Polar vortices, while not new, are becoming more severe due to rising Arctic temperatures. Evidence shows a common pattern in their frequency and intensity.
North America has seen winter cold extremes warming faster than average temperatures since 1980, but extreme winter cold events in central-eastern US remain unchanged.
The strongest winter cold anomalies in the U.S. have shifted location over the past decade from east of the Mississippi to west.
Changes in sea ice melt may significantly impact future winter weather patterns and improve forecasting for polar vortex occurrences.
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