The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds the North Pole. It typically stays confined to the Arctic, but occasionally it can dip southward, bringing cold weather to the United States. In 2025, a particularly strong polar vortex caused widespread power outages and dangerous cold temperatures in Texas.
The polar vortex is important because it can have a significant impact on weather patterns in the United States. When the polar vortex is strong, it can cause cold air to be pushed southward, leading to cold snaps and snowstorms. In some cases, the polar vortex can even cause the jet stream to buckle, which can lead to extreme weather events such as heat waves and droughts.
