The polar vortex is regaining its cohesion and is the main cause, after God’s will, of cold waves and air depressions.

Arab Weather - Recent analyses at the Arab Weather Center indicate that the polar vortex, an atmospheric system that exists around the North Pole and acts as a huge belt of cold, low-pressure air, is regaining its strength and cohesion after temporarily warming up. It is the main reason, after God’s will, behind the rush of cold air waves towards many regions around the world.

What is a polar vortex and how does it work?

The polar vortex is a circular system of cold air in the upper atmosphere that surrounds the North Pole. This vortex acts as a barrier that prevents cold air from moving south towards warmer, temperate regions. This vortex is most cohesive in winter when the Arctic is coldest.

The Siberian High is growing stronger than usual, so how will it affect the climate in the Eastern Mediterranean?

When the polar vortex is strong, air currents swirl tightly around the pole, keeping cold air trapped in that area. But sometimes, the vortex breaks or weakens, causing cold air to rush toward lower latitudes, causing temperatures to drop dramatically in many areas.

What happens when the polar vortex consolidates?

When the polar vortex consolidates, it promotes a more regular flow of cold air southward, especially toward North America, northern Europe, and Asia, increasing the pressure difference between cold polar regions and warmer temperate regions.

When cold air reaches water bodies, depressions are formed, where cold winds laden with moisture rise towards the upper layers of the atmosphere, leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and heavy rain and snow. From here, the weather becomes cold and stormy and may lead to snowstorms and frost at times, especially in mountainous areas and northern regions of the affected countries.

How does the polar vortex's cohesion cause cold air depressions to push in?

In context, the consolidation in the polar vortex makes the cold air more concentrated and stronger, which leads to an increase in the intensity of atmospheric pressure differences. This consolidation enhances the rush of cold winds towards the middle and lower latitudes, and causes strong cold waves that come with active winds and air currents that drop temperatures sharply.

Expected seasonal effects due to the polar vortex

These changes are leading to pronounced weather patterns including sharply lower temperatures, increased likelihood of snowfall and blizzards across large areas of North America, Europe and parts of Asia. The Mediterranean is also expected to experience an indirect impact, with increased rainfall due to the expansion of cold upper basins.

It is worth noting that the continued cohesion of the polar vortex may contribute to the recurrence of cold waves in the northern hemisphere.

And God knows best.