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What’s causing extreme cold in US Midwest
Environment
News
A record-breaking cold wave has swept through the US Midwest and is stated to be caused by a polar vortex
Important Facts
- The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It always exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.
- The term “vortex” refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles.
- In winter, the north polar vortex sometimes becomes less stable and expands sending cold air southward with the jet stream. This is called a polar vortex event.
5. When the vortex is strong and healthy, it helps keep the jet stream traveling around the globe in a nearly circular path. However, in winter when the vortex becomes less stable and expands, the jet stream is pushed south along with rest of the polar vortex system.
6. The cold surges event is not confined to USA; parts of Asia and Europe also experience col surges connected to polar vortex.
