So, What Exactly Is This Polar Vortex Thing?

From the Jan. 7, 2014, Parade Magazine "What exactly is a Polar Vortex?" by Erin Hill. //// Until a few days ago, I'd never heard of a polar vortex, but it is hard to escape now. There are 26 states in the deep freeze as of this morning with temps as low as -36 degres and windchills as low as -60 degrees. And, the cause? This polar vortex thing. //// The polar vortex is normally confined to the Arctic regions but has now dipped way down into North America. //// According to CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller, it is a circulation of strong upper level winds that normally surround the northern pole in a counter-clockwise direction-- essentially, a polar low pressure system. //// These winds normally keep bitter cold winds locked in the polar regions. Occassionally it drops farther south, allowing the really cold air to invade. There was a similar polar vortex that hit the Midwest in 2009. //// I'm still not clear on it, but at least they say it will be leaving soon. Good riddance. //// And Here I've Always Been Blaming It On the Siberian Express or Canadians. --RoadDog