US EditionHow the polar vortex and warm ocean intensified a major US winter storm
Winter Storm Fern is expected to impact more than 160 million Americans with heavy snow and freezing rain due to a stretched polar vortex disrupting typical weather patterns.
- An unusually brutal winter storm is approaching more than 160 million Americans due to a polar vortex bringing Arctic air, heavy snow, and freezing rain.
- Scientists suggest that the increased occurrences of polar vortex disruptions may be linked to climate change, although the connection remains debated.
- The polar vortex consists of cold, low-pressure air that circulates above the Arctic, and its stretching can lead to significant winter weather events.
- Meteorologists warn that the upcoming storm could rival the damage of a major hurricane, influenced by warming Arctic conditions.
26 Articles
26 Articles
The episode, described as "unusually extended and long-term" by the national weather services, is caused by the arrival of a mass of Arctic air from Canada. The authorities call on the population to limit their movements.
The Conversation
How the polar vortex and warm ocean are intensifying a major US winter storm
Boston and much of the U.S. faced a cold winter blast in January 2026. Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty ImagesA severe winter storm sweeping across the central and eastern U.S. in late January 2026 is threatening states from Texas to New England with crippling freezing rain, sleet and snow. Several governors issued states of emergency as forecasters warned of hazardous travel conditions, dangerous wind chills and power outages amid bit…
Just How Cold Is It Supposed To Be This Weekend?
I'm not sure if you've heard the news, but it's supposed to be a little chilly across much of the United States this weekend.We do this every couple of years (damn you, global warming, and your *checks notes* cold as hell winters), but this year's edition of the polar vortex has people in a full-blown panic.As is usually the case, there have been reports of "panic buying." It's your usual suspects: bread, milk, and toilet paper, for some reason.…
Massive winter storm tests power grids as extreme cold spreads
Officials warn the dangers extend beyond the storm itself, with prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy snow and ice raising concerns about outages, car accidents and infrastructure damage. NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda reports.
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