National Weather Service Warns Americans to Buckle up for ‘Life-Threatening’ Cold as Polar Vortex Returns The joys of winter seem to be taking a backseat with the current weather forecasts looming over the lives of Americans.
The polar vortex, a mass of freezing air that encircles the Earth's poles, plays a crucial role in winter weather patterns. When it weakens, it can destabilise the jet streams, allowing icy Arctic air to surge southwards and bring sharp drops in temperature.