Polar Vortex Collapse Forecast: Severe Winter Weather Expected

Polar Vortex Collapse: Severe Weather Ahead

Meteorologists predict a significant polar vortex collapse in mid-March 2025. This event will bring severe winter weather and travel disruptions across North America, potentially affecting the UK and Europe.

The polar vortex is a low-pressure system of cold air circulating around the poles. When stratospheric temperatures rise rapidly, the vortex weakens. This allows cold Arctic air to surge southward, causing extreme cold snaps and heavy snowfall.

A collapse occurs when the stratospheric layer, between 10 and 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, experiences a rapid temperature increase of up to 50 degrees within 48 hours. This sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) weakens the polar vortex, allowing cold Arctic air to migrate southward and resulting in extreme weather patterns.

AccuWeather’s Lead Meteorologist Paul Pastelok notes a shift in the polar vortex towards Europe and eastern Canada. This could disrupt the jet stream, leading to unpredictable weather conditions.

This event marks the final disruption of the polar vortex for the 2024-25 winter season. No recovery is expected until next winter. The stratospheric warming event is among the strongest for this time of year in recent decades.

Forecast and Implications

The upcoming collapse is expected to be more intense than the previous one in February, which brought severe cold spells and travel chaos across North America. Changes could emerge from late March into early April. Meteorologists predict that this event could persist for several weeks, potentially causing significant disruptions:

• Weather Patterns: The collapse may lead to extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and severe weather conditions across the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe.
• Travel Disruptions: Travelers should prepare for potential flight delays and road closures due to harsh weather conditions.
• Impact on Europe: The UK and other European regions may experience cooler weather by late March if the collapse affects the jet stream.

In conclusion, the impending polar vortex collapse poses significant challenges. Staying informed about weather updates is crucial for planning and safety.