ORLANDO, Fla. – You might have heard the term “polar vortex” thrown around during the winter months, but what does it really mean and how does it affect us here in sunny Central Florida? Let’s break it down!
First off, picture a massive spinning blob of cold air hovering way up in the atmosphere over the North Pole. That blob is called the polar vortex. Think of it as a giant cold air bubble that usually stays close to the pole. But sometimes, a piece of it breaks off, taking a little trip southward. And where it goes, the cooler air follows.
During the winter, the polar vortex is a regular player in the weather game. It’s not always the same every year, but it’s a common occurrence.
When it’s strong and stable and tightly together, we don’t really notice it as it stays meandering around the North Pole.
It becomes a weather disruptor when it weakens a bit. During this time, a chunk of cold air can escape and travel south, affecting weather patterns across the U.S.
These large breaks in the vortex is where we see life-threatening cold blanketing large areas in the country, sparking winter weather warnings for millions at a time.
Now, you might be thinking, “OK, but what does this mean for us in Central Florida?” Great question! While we’re used to our sunshine and mild temperatures in the winter, the polar vortex can still make its presence felt.
Depending on the scale, larger breaks in the polar vortex can bring unusually cold temperatures our way. You might find yourself digging out that jacket you haven’t worn in ages or even turning on the heater for a few nights.
Here in Florida, these cold artic blasts are usually short-lived as Florida’s sunshine has a way of bouncing back quickly.
Still, it’s a reminder of how interconnected our weather systems are, no matter the distances.