polar vortex: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Sep. 21, 2026

Facts

Also Known As	circumpolar vortex • polar winter vortex • polar cyclone • polar low • circumpolar whirl

Photos

Four circular thematic maps show Rossby wave patterns over the North Pole, each illustrating different stages of upper atmospheric airflow. The sequence moves from an uninterrupted jet stream around cold polar air, to the development and amplification of wave patterns, showing high- and low-pressure centers, warm and cold air movement, and the eventual restoration of the initial airflow after a cold air mass detaches. Labels indicate the positions of high (H) and low (L) pressure centers and sho

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Topics

mother-of-pearl cloud Winter Rossby wave Polar front jet stream polar region Cyclone tropical cyclone Bomb cyclone Extratropical cyclone Lee cyclone Cyclogenesis 10 Deadliest Cyclones in History Icelandic low Cyclolysis Aleutian low

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