The polar vortex isn’t a storm. It’s a large system of cold air and winds circling the poles year-round. Most of the time it keeps frigid air locked up north — but when it weakens, that cold air can spill south. #polarvortex #winterstorm #weather #coldsnap | NOVA l PBS

🚨🌎 POLAR VORTEX SPLIT CONFIRMED — ATMOSPHERIC BATTLE UNDERWAY 🌎🚨 We are witnessing a rare collision between the Arctic and the tropics. New forecast data shows a major sudden stratospheric warming event unfolding in mid-February 2026 — destabilizing the Polar Vortex nearly 30 miles above Earth. When this happens, the Arctic “wall” can crack. And it just did. 🧊 The vortex is splitting in two 🌊 The Madden-Julian Oscillation is temporarily shielding the East 🔥 The West is already feeling the