polar vortex

American  

[poh-ler vawr-teks] / ˈpoʊ lər ˈvɔr tɛks /

noun

• polar vortices,
  plural
• polar vortexes
  plural

1. a whirling mass of very cold air that sits over the North or South Pole.

   A displaced polar vortex is causing Arctic temperatures across the United States.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• polar vortexes
  plural
• polar vortices
  plural

Etymology

Origin of polar vortex

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polar vortex

But sometimes a disturbance can cause the polar vortex to stretch like a rubber band.

From Slate ● Feb. 25, 2026

As the days get longer, the sun gets stronger, and the temperatures rise—also weakening the polar vortex.

From Slate ● Feb. 25, 2026

Scientists advancing this theory argue that uneven Arctic warming across Europe and Asia can amplify large atmospheric waves, making it more likely for the polar vortex to wobble and spill south over North America.

From Barron's ● Jan. 29, 2026

Some experts contend climate change could influence the behaviour of the polar vortex due to changes in sea surfaces temperatures in our warming world.

From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2026

"A weaker-than-normal polar vortex this past August helped keep temperatures above average and likely contributed to a smaller ozone hole," said Ciasto.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 4, 2025