Climate researchers are sounding the alarm on a polar vortex that’s predicted to sweep through the U.S.’ east coast later this month and inflict one of the harshest winters in years, The Washington Post reported.
Judah Cohen, a researcher from Atmospheric and Environmental Research, told the outlet his climate models indicate a vortex is likely to hit in late December or early January. A polar vortex disruption occurs when the stratosphere – where most weather occurs – suddenly warms, causing winds to decrease or change direction. The vortex will then be displaced and split apart, spilling cold air into the mid-latitudes.
Confidence is growing in a significant #PolarVortex disruption in the coming weeks. This could be the single most important determinant of the weather this #winter across the Northern Hemisphere. Likely impacts discussed in today's blog: t.co/9ZWSlvqUI6 pic.twitter.com/WpA0RpWdbj
— Judah Cohen (@judah47) December 10, 2018