Posted on 12/13/2016 10:16:03 PM PST by Innovative
Extreme cold is moving across more of the country this week, bringing with it the potential for record lows and dangerous conditions for children, pets and anyone else without adequate protection — all thanks to a weather phenomenon known as the polar vortex.
What is the polar vortex?
This phrase is once again in the headlines, and worth re-defining. The “polar vortex” technically refers to a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds both of the Earth’s poles, according to the National Weather Service. It’s always existed at the poles, but the polar vortex strengthens in particular during the winter and can send cold air southward.
Temperatures dip to dangerous lows when the polar vortex expands, sending thermometers plummeting.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
I went back and looked again: The Paducah NWS recorded a humid 72 deg. F this afternoon — headed to 18 by morning, and 7 deg. F by Monday morning. Might be some sort of all time record for them? -5 wind chill by Monday Morning, too — not extraordinary, but for the area, the drop sure is.
If there was a bit of snow, that Monday morning low would be even lower...
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