According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): The polar vortex is a natural phenomenon in which winds around the Earth’s poles tend to move in a circular pattern. This occurrence takes place at both the North and South Poles, and is referred to as the North Polar Vortex and the South Polar Vortex respectively. During this event, when unusual conditions arise in the atmospheric pressure, the vortex can shift its path and begin to move from the poles toward lower latitudes, such as toward Asia and North America.
The polar vortex often becomes detrimental for us, as seen in January 2014, when the weakening of the Arctic polar vortex resulted in its negative impact on several cities across northern Canada and North America, with temperatures dropping to nearly -40°C. A similar occurrence also took place as recently as 2021.
Factors behind The Formation of The Polar Vortex:
According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Temperature Variation: Whenever the cold, high-pressure air from the poles comes into contact with warmer air from lower latitudes or tropical regions, the likelihood of a polar vortex forming increases.
Jet Stream Influence: The jet stream is a fast-moving current of air located approximately 12,000 km above the Earth’s surface, typically formed by the convergence of winds and upward vertical movement. This jet stream can sometimes circle and take the shape of a polar vortex.
Solar Activity: The movement of the Sun also plays a role in this phenomenon. During January, when the Sun is near the Capricorn Tropic, high-pressure air masses from the south tend to shift, creating a change that can give rise to the formation of the polar vortex.
In addition to the aforementioned causes, the emission of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, along with the excessive depletion of natural resources, has become a significant contributor to climate change, which also affects the polar vortex. This results in negative impacts on temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, sea levels, and the overall atmospheric circulation system.
Severe Consequences for The Northern United States:
Drastic Temperature Drops: Temperatures in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit can plummet to as low as -20°F (-29°C) or lower, often persisting for days, which strains infrastructure and daily activities.
Intense Snowstorms and Ice Storms: The surge of frigid air can cause heavy snowfall, blizzards, and ice storms, particularly in northern states. These storms can make roads hazardous, disrupt air travel, and cause power outages due to ice accumulation on infrastructure.
Power Failures and Transportation Failure: The extreme cold demands higher energy consumption, while ice and snow accumulation can bring down power lines, causing blackouts that last for hours or even days, disrupting homes, businesses, and emergency services. Freezing temperatures and snow can create dangerous conditions on highways, leading to impassable roads, delays, and cancellations at airports, and halted rail travel due to snow accumulation.
Agricultural Damage and Health Related Problems: Cold surges can destroy crops in northern regions, causing financial losses for farmers and disrupting the food supply chain.
The collapse of the polar vortex can cause more problems, especially for those who are already physically weak and sensitive to extreme cold.
All the polar vortex-related issues mentioned above could also be faced by the people of Canada. In fact, they may experience even more difficulties regarding health, transportation, energy, and daily routines.
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Measures to Protection:
(The people of North America, especially those in western and northeastern Canada, should take the following measures to protect themselves.)
Prepare for Severe Cold: Dress in multiple insulating layers, prioritizing materials such as wool and fleece, to retain body warmth. Equip yourself with insulated gloves, scarves, hats, and waterproof boots to prevent frostbite. Cover exposed skin with a face mask or scarf, as frostbite can occur rapidly in extreme cold.
Ensure Home Insulation and Heating: Proper insulation is essential—seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or draft stoppers to conserve heat. Prior to extreme cold, inspect and maintain heating systems, including furnaces and space heaters. Stockpile blankets, warm clothing, and portable heaters in preparation for power outages, and use heating appliances safely by turning them off when not in use.
Prepare for Power Failures: Maintain an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and medications. Invest in a backup generator to ensure critical systems such as heating remain operational during power outages. Always keep devices fully charged to remain in contact with emergency services or loved ones.
Stay Informed and Plan Ahead: Monitor weather alerts via apps or battery-powered radios to stay abreast of impending storms. Establish an emergency evacuation or shelter plan, knowing the locations of nearby shelters offering warmth and supplies.
Safeguard Transportation: Winterize vehicles by installing winter tires and ensuring proper antifreeze levels. Limit travel during extreme cold or snowstorms and always inform someone of your whereabouts. Regularly clear driveways and sidewalks of snow and ice to prevent accidents.
Health Protection: Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions, require special attention. Ensure hydration and nutrition through high-energy foods to sustain body heat and prevent cold-related illnesses.
Snow Storm Weather Forecast : Snow and Ice Treats for Midwest and Northeast USA.
