Polar Vortex Clashing With El Niño—What It Means Ahead of Thanksgiving
The weather phenomenon is associated with arctic blasts that can plunge the feels-like temperature in the U.S. to minus zero.
An unprecedented situation is unfolding as the polar vortex breaks down earlier than usual, bringing a blast of cold air to the United States right at Thanksgiving. This clash comes after a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event began at the end of October. When the stratosphere warms suddenly during an SSW event, it disrupts the polar vortex, allowing frigid air to spill southward into the U.S. This could lead to a colder-than-normal Thanksgiving, temporarily clashing with the warmer conditions expected from the strengthening El Niño.
Meteorologists have warned about this phenomenon, with AccuWeather long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok describing it as unprecedented. Generally, SSWs of this magnitude are not seen until January or February. The polar vortex, a large area of cold air and low pressure surrounding Earth's poles, is typically strongest in winter. However, during an SSW event, it weakens and can break down, allowing Arctic air to escape and bring cold temperatures to the U.S.
The breakdown of the polar vortex is likely contributing to cold, rainy weather and high-elevation snow in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this weekend. Later, over Thanksgiving weekend and into the first week of December, more cold air and snow could hit parts of the U.S. that were previously expecting warmer, drier conditions due to El Niño.
While the drop in temperatures might not be as severe as if the SSW occurred later in the season, it could still feel shocking compared to the above-normal temperatures felt across the U.S. this fall due to El Niño.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
