A polar vortex, as intimidating as it sounds, is really just a pocket of cold air and low pressure surrounding both the North and South poles. It is actually always there, though it is rare that we, here in New England, get to experience its chilling effects.
The “Vortex” refers to a counter-clockwise spinning of the pressure system which acts to centralize it over the poles. I say “over” because this weather is actually occurring tens of thousands of feet above the earth’s surface. Every so often, the polar vortex swells and its effects are felt as temperatures plummet across the Northern US, Europe, and Asia. It isn’t a new phenomenon either; the dramatic sounding title has simply gained popularity in recent years. While it may not be new, it sure is cold! But life in the North isn’t held back by a little cold. So tell us about your adventures in the vortex!