Polar Vortex Collapse Poised to Trigger Severe Winter Conditions

A polar vortex collapse is anticipated over the upcoming two weeks, potentially wreaking havoc on winter weather and travel across North America. This weather anomaly is projected to materialize in mid-March, ushering in frigid temperatures across portions of Canada and the United States, and could extend its influence to the UK and Europe as well.

This phenomenon, known as sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), transpires when the atmospheric layer 10 to 50 km above Earth’s surface experiences a rapid temperature increase of up to 50 degrees within a mere two days. This sudden warming effect can destabilize the polar vortex, propelling frigid Arctic air southward and sparking extreme weather conditions.

The impending polar vortex collapse marks the second instance in 2025, following a previous event that unleashed intense cold snaps and chaos across North America’s travel networks. Last month, millions of Americans endured snowstorms and below-freezing temperatures throughout most of February.

Should the approaching vortex disturbance weaken the jet stream, it may permit Arctic air masses to descend into North America or parts of Eurasia. According to AccuWeather’s Lead Meteorologist, Paul Pastelok, there exists a slim possibility of a total ‘split’ in the jet stream configuration lasting four to seven weeks. More likely, however, is a ‘displacement,’ altering the pattern and impacting Europe and areas in central and eastern North America.

Additionally, the weather disturbance could affect the UK, with meteorologists cautioning about another potential cold snap following this week’s brief warm spell. The UK Met Office highlights that while SSWs don’t always alter weather conditions, any effects that do manifest on Earth’s surface might take several weeks to become apparent.