The polar vortex lives in the upper atmosphere, including the upper troposphere and the stratosphere, and is located near the North Pole in the arctic.

The term “polar vortex” usually refers to the gigantic circular upper air weather pattern in the Arctic region. It is a normal pattern that is stronger in the winter and keeps some of the ...

This week, parts of the U.S. are experiencing the 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season. Weather forces in the Arctic are combining to push the chilly air into the U.S. and Europe.

he term “polar vortex” usually refers to the gigantic circular upper air weather pattern in the Arctic region, enveloping the North Pole.

“The polar vortex is a low-pressure system of cold air that swirls above both of Earth’s poles,” IFLScience explained. “Over the North Pole, the wind flows counterclockwise in the ...

In the second week of February, the vortex remained strong, but began to stretch out over North America. NOAA Climate.gov animation by Breanna Zavadoff, based on ERA5 reanalysis data.

Though the term makes good headlines, the truth is the polar vortex is still circulating near and around the North Pole where it's almost always positioned.

This week, parts of the U.S. are experiencing the 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season. Weather forces in the Arctic are combining to push the chilly air into the U.S. and Europe.

The polar vortex is sending Arctic air south, bringing extreme cold to the U.S. and Europe. This winter's 10th polar vortex event is causing record low temperatures, with wind chills as low as -60°F.

This week, parts of the U.S. are experiencing the 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season. Weather forces in the Arctic are combining to push the chilly air into the U.S. and Europe.