In the United States, the polar vortex reached its peak on Wednesday, bringing frigid conditions that made even Arctic Greenland seem relatively warm. Mars was even experiencing higher temperatures than parts of North Dakota. Despite the extreme cold, there is some relief in sight as meteorologists predict a significant warm-up in the coldest regions of the country early next week. However, this reprieve may be short-lived, as another wave of freezing air is expected to return in early March.
On Wednesday morning, Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, was notably warmer than Washington, D.C., with a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius). Meanwhile, parts of Greenland have been experiencing a winter heat wave, with temperatures reaching around 41 degrees (5 degrees Celsius) on glaciers east of Nuuk. This unseasonably warm weather has raised concerns among scientists about the changing climate patterns and the impact on the region.
The polar vortex has extended multiple times this winter, bringing cold air as far south as Texas. High pressure systems and warm weather in Greenland have contributed to intensifying the cold air and creating extreme conditions across the United States. Record-breaking lows have been observed in several locations, with Bismarck, North Dakota setting a new low of minus 39 degrees, while Mars experienced relatively milder temperatures. Despite the harsh winter weather, a temporary reprieve is on the horizon for the coldest regions before the return of colder conditions.
Residents in affected areas have expressed surprise at the unusual weather patterns and the drastic shifts in temperature. While some have adapted to the changing conditions, others long for the traditional winter they once knew. The dynamic interplay between cold air from the Arctic and warm air from Greenland continues to shape the weather patterns, highlighting the complex and evolving nature of our climate system.
“It will take a while for everyone to thaw out,” Orrison remarked. According to Maue, on Saturday and Sunday, approximately 230 million Americans will experience temperatures below freezing. By Monday, only 143 million individuals will encounter such cold weather, and by Tuesday, the number will decrease to 40 million. Notably, by Tuesday, all regions of the United States will surpass the freezing point.
Maue explained, “We’re anticipating a shift to much warmer Pacific air. It’s on its way, just a matter of time.” Despite the prolonged freeze in the eastern part of the United States, which accounts for less than 2% of the Earth’s surface, global temperatures have remained elevated. Copernicus, the European climate service, reported that on Monday, the Earth was 0.8 degrees (0.45 degrees Celsius) warmer than the average from 1991 to 2020.
According to Cohen, computer models suggest that the polar vortex may extend once more, directing cold air southward and possibly impacting the United States around March 5. Although this occurrence is unusually late, Cohen noted, “This season has been marked by rather atypical weather patterns.” In recent years, there has been an increase in polar vortex stretching events, which Cohen attributes to the accelerated warming of the Arctic, four times faster than the global average due to human-induced climate change. Additionally, natural factors like La Nina, a phenomenon that cools the central Pacific and influences global weather, are also playing a role.
Maue highlighted that over the past five winters, February has consistently brought the coldest temperatures of the season, deviating from the perception that January is the chilliest month. This trend is especially noticeable this year.
__Luis Andres Henao contributed from Nuuk, Greenland.__
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___Connect with Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears___
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