New Polar Vortex: Potential Impacts on Winter 2025-2026

A new polar vortex is forming over the North Pole, increasing the likelihood of severe weather events in the winter of 2025/2026. Initial measurements indicate rapid temperature and pressure drops in the polar regions.

Scientists warn that the evolution of the polar vortex will affect Europe, the United States, and Canada. The polar vortex, which forms every autumn, determines whether the winter will be mild or harsh. A weak vortex can lead to cold surges and blizzards.

Forecasts for this winter indicate a weaker-than-normal vortex, combined with phenomena such as La Niña and the negative phase of the QBO, which are associated with potential stratospheric warmings (SSW). These warmings can weaken the vortex, causing extreme cold outbreaks.

Meteorologists note similarities to last winter, where the vortex collapsed mid-season. If this scenario is confirmed, the winter of 2025/2026 will be dynamic, with alternating warm and cold periods.