2023-09-12 00:52:38
Published on September 11, 2023 at 9:23 p.m.
The polar vortex quickly regains strength, gradually opening the door to the winter cold.
The polar vortex is a major player for the cold season in the Northern Hemisphere. The reduction in the influence of the sun in the northern regions, specific to autumn, allows it to regain momentum. During September and October, the polar vortex gains strength and it generally reaches its peak around November and December, when it is at its strongest. This power gain is therefore taking place at the moment, several kilometers above our heads.
Good to know – The polar vortex is an area of low pressure located in the Northern Hemisphere, which extends from the surface to the stratosphere. It acts as a large cyclone, covering the entire North Pole of the globe, and is the result of a large difference in solar radiation between the equator and the North Pole. Circular in shape, it generally contains the coldest air mass in the hemisphere.
Right now, the polar vortex is a little colder than usual, but reaching values similar to last year. An icy heart takes shape above the polar circle. A pronounced drop in temperatures is anticipated for the coming weeks, as autumn sets in.
This context interacts with lower altitude systems, and has a marked influence on the weather on land. For example, the cold that builds towards the north of the continent generally brings with it the first snowflakes of the season. By mid-October, snow is likely to cover the ground in the Nunavik region, in the far north of Quebec.
Remember that the first snowflakes were already observed in this region towards the end of August.
Several possible scenarios
Once built, two main elements must be considered: its temperature and its pressure. With the onset of autumn, its cooling accelerates, since it is deprived of the abundant heat of the solar star. Moreover, its size and influence grows as the pressure drops. However, the exact behavior of the vortex still involves several mysteries. It is difficult to accurately predict its evolution over the coming months.
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