These polar vortex stretches are happening more frequently as the world — and especially the Arctic — warms, a 2021 paper published in the journal Science, also co-authored by Cohen, demonstrated.

The polar vortex is usually “like an aircraft carrier, it doesn’t turn around quickly and isn’t very nimble,” Cohen said. “I’ve really never seen anything like it.” ...

What we call the polar vortex -- a spin in the atmosphere -- can't actually be felt in the U.S. or anywhere on Earth. It doesnâ t ice over too often ...

The polar vortex is a circular flow in the stratosphere, which extends from the top of the troposphere to altitudes of about 30 miles. This circular flow forms every fall, and vanishes in spring.