‘Polar vortex’ returns above North Pole: What is this? What are the consequences? And will there be a harsh winter? Expert explains | Science & Planet

With the summer weather of the past week in mind, winter still seems far away. But above the North Pole, the weather gods are already putting things in place for the next season. The ‘polar vortex’ begins to form. Meteorologists closely monitor this annual weather phenomenon as it can have a major impact on our weather. But what exactly is a polar vortex? How does this arise? And are the consequences for our weather maps? Climate expert Samuel Helsen explains.