This Winter, It’s Polar Vortex versus El Niño. Round One Starts Now

This winter, it’s polar vortex versus El Niño. Round one starts now

High in the atmosphere above the Arctic, something strange is happening: the polar vortex has broken down earlier than ever recorded, a phenomenon that can trigger a blast of cold weather in parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

Polar vortex breaks down in "sudden" shift that clashes with El Niño

The weather phenomenon is associated with arctic blasts that can plunge the feels-like temperature in the U.S. to minus zero.

Polar vortex faces off against historically strong El Niño as experts warn of unusual winter ahead

The two forces are now effectively battling it out in the atmosphere

Polar vortex could disrupt forecast for a warmer El Niño winter

El Niño could bring a milder winter, but an early polar vortex breakdown may send Arctic air south. Forecasters say it’s too soon to know which will prevail.