• Major polar vortex disruption brings Arctic surges across North America and Europe through January and early February

    A major polar vortex disruption has begun and is forecast to send Arctic air into much of North America and Europe through mid and late January 2026. The event will bring freezing temperatures and winter weather as the vortex weakens following a stratospheric warming episode. A second, stronger outbreak is forecast to occur during the last part of January as the core of the vortex splits into two halves, each driving cold Arctic air into Europe and North America in February.

  • Arctic polar vortex shows rare early signs of weakening and displacement

    Forecast data indicate an early weakening and displacement of the stratospheric polar vortex over the Arctic in October 2025, as a developing high-pressure anomaly over Greenland interacts with the circulation earlier than usual, increasing the chances of colder air movement toward the mid-latitudes of North America and Europe.

  • Weakest polar vortex for October in 40 years could affect winter weather across North America and Europe

    The polar vortex forming over the Northern Hemisphere in 2024 is at its weakest point for early October in the last 40 years, with potential consequences for winter weather patterns across North America and Europe. The vortex’s unusual behavior this season could lead to significant disruptions in cold outbreaks in parts of the eastern United States, Canada, and Europe.

  • Stratospheric temperature rise signals weakened polar vortex and Arctic air outbreaks in the northern hemisphere

    The polar vortex, a large area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere that typically sits over the poles, is set to weaken as a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event unfolds in the northern hemisphere. This event has the potential to have a significant impact on winter weather, as it allows cold Arctic air to escape and cause outbreaks in Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States.

  • At least 79 dead as cold wave grips northern India and Nepal

    More than 70 people have died in India and Nepal over the weekend as intense cold wave descended upon the region. According to local media reports, lack of night shelters and amenities have already led to the death of over 70 homeless and poor people in India's…