A polar vortex collapse is expected within the next two weeks, which will subsequently bring extreme winter weather and widespread travel disruptions to North America. This phenomenon is forecast to set in around mid-March and will be likely to deliver some brutal cold temperatures in parts of Canada and the US, with potential impacts across the UK and Europe. It will be the second polar vortex collapse of 2025, with a similar event that happened in late December that caused deep freezes and travel chaos across North America. There has also been a spike in wildlife rescue calls in the American South, highlighting the broader impacts of such weather events on ecosystems.
What is a Polar Vortex?
A polar vortex is a vast area of low-pressure and colder air that rotates around the Earth’s poles. It’s an important factor affecting winter weather patterns and is closely associated with the jet stream, a fast-moving band of winds located between 8 and 11 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. A weakened polar vortex disrupts the stability of the jet stream, releasing Arctic air southward and causing extreme and unpredictable weather.
Polar Vortex Collapse
When a polar vortex collapse occurs, the layer between 10 and 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface experiences sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), where temperatures can rise up to 50 degrees in just two days. This rapid warming weakens the polar vortex, enabling frigid Arctic air to spill southward and create extreme weather events.
Impact on North America
The coming polar vortex collapse will bring frigid temperatures to some parts of Canada and the United States. This will be the second such event in 2025, following a collapse in December that caused widespread snow, storms, and sub-zero temperatures that affected millions of Americans.
Previous Event Impacts
A previous polar vortex collapse in February caused widespread travel disruptions and severe winter conditions across North America. The event demonstrated the potential of such weather events to cause widespread impacts on daily life and ecosystems.
Wildlife Rescue Calls Increase
In the American South, calls to wildlife rescues have reportedly increased by 214%. This surge is attributed to the harsh weather conditions caused by the polar vortex collapse, which can leave animals vulnerable and in need of assistance.
Causes of Increased Wildlife Rescue Calls
The polar vortex collapse can have severe consequences on animal habitats, leading to higher levels of stress and vulnerability. Animals may struggle to find food or shelter, increasing the demand for rescue services.
Impact on Ecosystems
The impacts of polar vortex collapse are not limited to human populations. Weather changes like these can cause natural habitats to become unstable, increasing the mortality rate of some species and changing the balance of ecosystems.
Similar Implications for the UK and Europe
However, the polar vortex collapse may also affect the UK and Europe, which could mean colder weather in many areas following a brief warm spell. Forecasters say that temperatures could drop again, although the timing and extent of these impacts are unknown.
Disruption of the Jet Stream
If the polar vortex is disrupted, it can affect the jet stream and send a blast of cold Arctic air spilling into North America or Eurasia. This disruption can lead to extreme weather and travel disruptions.
Predictions for the Upcoming Event
AccuWeather’s Lead Meteorologist, Paul Pastelok, predicts a displacement of the polar vortex on the Europe, eastern Canada side. But the timeline for North America is uncertain, with possible shifts in weather patterns forecasted in late March into early April.
Long-Term Effects
A polar vortex collapse can be felt for weeks after the initial event. Sudden stratospheric warming events don’t always affect surface weather, but when they do, it can take several weeks for the effects to manifest. This can result in extended periods of chilly weather and disrupted ecosystems.
Prepare for Further Disruptions
The anticipated polar vortex collapse highlights the potential for severe weather events to affect not only human populations but also wildlife and ecosystems. As this event unfolds, it’s important to observe its effects and prepare for further disruptions in North America and beyond. The increase in wildlife rescue calls highlights the broader ecological impacts of such weather phenomena, emphasizing the need for preparedness and support for affected regions.
