According to the National Weather Service (NWS), due to the Arctic polar vortex in March 2025, there is a possibility of a temperature drop of up to -35°F in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the USA, UK, and Canada.
Although the impact of the polar vortex collapse in March 2025 may not be as severe as the February 2025 event, because the low-pressure area is not as strong, the NWS’s Climate Prediction Center has predicted an 80% likelihood of significant severity.
A polar vortex collapse is expected over the next 2 weeks, bringing extreme winter weather across North America
As Arctic melts breakdown in Polar Vortex is happening more often allowing cold Arctic normally locked in Arctic to seep further South https://t.co/m7irmLCuNl pic.twitter.com/mZtfPzqDqM— GO GREEN (@ECOWARRIORSS) March 4, 2025
What is Polar Vortex And Polar Vortex Collapse?
Polar vortex is a natural phenomenon in which warm air from lower latitudes comes into contact with cold air from higher latitudes, causing it to rise upwards from the Earth’s surface and begin to rotate in a circular path around the globe. This event occurs at both the Arctic (North Pole) and Antarctic (South Pole) regions. However, its effects are more prominently seen at the North Pole.
From a geographical perspective, the Arctic polar vortex is a complex event whose effects are generally not felt significantly in the Northern Hemisphere.
However, when low-pressure systems are diverted, warm air can slip downward from its usual latitude, and cold winds from the North Pole (reaching -35°F) start flowing southward, towards the North American continent and Northern Europe. This shift can lead to several negative consequences, such as a sharp drop in temperatures, extreme winter weather conditions, and disruptions in daily life, including travel, energy supply, and infrastructure.
What, Where, When and How the Impacts of Polar Vortex Collapse?
01) Water and food shortages could also be a challenge. The effects of the polar vortex will likely be more severe in the northern regions of the USA and Canada. The freezing of lakes and rivers, along with the disruption of infrastructure, could cause significant difficulties for residents.
This could impact water supply, agricultural activities, and transportation, leading to shortages of both water and food in the affected areas.
02) Energy shortages and infrastructural disruptions could cause significant hardship, particularly for the elderly, children, and women. In the USA, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued an alert, urging people to ensure they have energy supplies prepared. In freezing conditions, stepping outside of one’s home can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening.
The severe cold can lead to power outages, making heating essential, and any disruption in infrastructure could further complicate the situation for vulnerable populations.
03) Animal and bird safety issues could also arise as a result of the polar vortex event, potentially putting their lives at risk. According to the National Weather Service, more than 50% of animals could be adversely affected by these extreme conditions.
The freezing temperatures, harsh winds, and disruptions to their habitats could lead to a significant loss of life among wildlife, especially for those unable to find shelter or food during the cold snap.
How Polar Vortex Collapse North Europe?
According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the intensity of the North Polar Vortex’s impacts in Europe is expected to be lower compared to the USA and Canada. However, there is still a need to remain vigilant about issues such as infrastructure, energy, food security, animal safety, water supply, and citizen security. Even with less severe effects, disruptions in these areas could still pose significant challenges, and precautions must be taken to minimize risks.
Wow looks like we might see a complete collapse of the polar vortex in early March
Usually these final warming events don’t happen until late March – early April
Also the 7 – 10th snow window has popped back into existence on the GFS we’ll see if the EURO follows pic.twitter.com/hsViBznroO— NOVAwx (@AwxNov) March 3, 2025
Guidelines to Protect to the Polar Vortex Collapse
-
Prepare for Severe Cold: Dress in multiple layers of insulating materials like wool and fleece. Wear insulated gloves, scarves, hats, and waterproof boots to prevent frostbite. Cover exposed skin with a mask or scarf.
-
Ensure Home Insulation and Heating: Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping to conserve heat. Maintain heating systems and stockpile blankets, warm clothing, and portable heaters for power outages. Always turn off heating appliances when not in use.
-
Prepare for Power Failures: Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and medications. Consider a backup generator to maintain heating during power outages. Keep devices fully charged.
-
Stay Informed and Plan Ahead: Use weather apps or battery-powered radios for updates on storms. Have an emergency evacuation plan and know nearby shelters with warmth and supplies.
-
Safeguard Transportation: Winterize vehicles with winter tires and check antifreeze levels. Limit travel during severe weather and inform someone of your whereabouts. Clear snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks.
-
Health Protection: Focus on vulnerable groups (elderly, those with health conditions). Ensure hydration and consume high-energy foods to stay warm and prevent cold-related illnesses.
- Stay Aware from Govt Alerts!