Quote:
Originally Posted by Chico23231
you know we've been talking about this at work, wtf is a polar vortex? media gotta make up new words for cold as sh*t?
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Going to play weather nerd cop. Polar Vortex is nothing new. It's not made up, and it's trending because, well, that's what the media is jumping on. Its an upper atmosphere massive swirling vortex of artic air that normally just chills at in the upper atmosphere. Sometimes... It weakens due to a variety of factors and sometimes it even splits into two. That's essentially what has happened here. Its unusual to dip this far down... but not unheard of.
Were not going to experience any swirling or wind because of it. The wind is due to a pressure gradient. Think of one balloon blown to full.... And one to half full, connect the two together and let them equalize.. That's high pressure vs low pressure and when they try to equalize. That's wind. That's why its windy.
Luckily this cold spell is relatively short lived and the jet stream will return to a much warmer pattern for at least the near future.... So relief is in site. But for now, stay safe and warm.