Polar Vortex Collapse Expected to Trigger Severe Cold Across North America and Europe

Meteorologists predict extreme winter conditions in mid-March due to sudden stratospheric warming disrupting the polar vortex.

A polar vortex collapse, caused by sudden stratospheric warming, is forecast to bring freezing temperatures and winter storms to parts of North America and Europe by mid-March.
This marks the second polar vortex disruption of 2025, following a February event that led to widespread cold and travel disruptions across the United States and Canada.
Meteorologists warn that Arctic air could shift southward, potentially affecting central and eastern U.S., Canada, and Europe, with uncertainty around the exact timing and severity.
The UK Met Office predicts a heightened risk of colder weather later in March, though the impact on Britain remains uncertain.
Experts suggest the unusual frequency of polar vortex disruptions this year may be influenced by complex atmospheric patterns, with potential links to human-caused climate change.