The lefties have just discovered the Polar Vortex...it ain't new. The polar vortex has been around since the beginning of time. Ignorance is the only reason we are having this discussion. The left needs a new excuse so they discovered what has always been there and are using it as the latest excuse. Many on the right (like Rush) had never heard of it either and now think its some made up term...and the American people (unless they pay close attention to a real forecaster (not news babe doing weather)) has also never heard of is...which allows for easy duping.
The term "polar vortex" has been a meteorological term LONG before I started forecasting...and that was almost 27 years ago. It's used just like the term "jet stream" or high pressure is. It's a commonly heard term in forecast discussion during the winter. The trick in medium-long range forecasting (in winter) has ALWAYS been trying to figure out how far south the polar vortex would get dislodged. Every time (and let me repeat that with EMPHASIS)....EVERY TIME it has EVER gotten VERY COLD in the US...it has been because of the polar vortex moving south and buckling the jet stream...which pulls the arctic/siberian air southward. And MOST times it is accompanied by a warm up in Alaska and western Canada...because to move the polar vortex south...you need a big ridge of high pressure to form to its west (normally).
As a meteorologist...I'm getting a big kick out of this polar vortex talk...that some people think its a made up phrase...and others think its a man made devil.
In Illinois we used to call that an Alberta Clipper!
The trick in medium-long range forecasting (in winter) has ALWAYS been trying to figure out how far south the polar vortex would get dislodged.
Does that coincide with the warmers meme that the vortex was split up? Can’t figure that one out!
The term “polar vortex” has been a meteorological term LONG before I started forecasting...and that was almost 27 years ago. It’s used just like the term “jet stream” or high pressure is. It’s a commonly heard term in forecast discussion during the winter. The trick in medium-long range forecasting (in winter) has ALWAYS been trying to figure out how far south the polar vortex would get dislodged. Every time (and let me repeat that with EMPHASIS)....EVERY TIME it has EVER gotten VERY COLD in the US...it has been because of the polar vortex moving south and buckling the jet stream...which pulls the arctic/siberian air southward. And MOST times it is accompanied by a warm up in Alaska and western Canada...because to move the polar vortex south...you need a big ridge of high pressure to form to its west (normally).
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Ahhh, thank you. I was going to write something similar. But you phrased in just right, IMO.
Being out here in WA state....we’re getting the benefit of a bit warmer weather. One of many reasons I’m happy to live out here in the great PNW.