[grania]

Thank you for that explanation. Another question....is “polar vortex” a new term made up to sound cute, or is it term that’s been around forever? Is it different from an “arctic blast”?

[mware]

The last time it happen that I can remember is during Reagan's second inaugural. They canceled the parade because of the danger it would have on those marching in it, or watching it.

[palmer]

The polar vortex has been around forever and the term was around in the 1960's when Lindzen, one of the more honest weather/climate scientists, studied it.

January 1984 had a major SSW where the vortex broke in two and one part came down and brought surface polar air to Reagan's inaugural.