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Climatologist Explains Polar Vortex

By Joel Hardy

01/20/2014

(KAIR)--It may be a bit warmer now, but the bitter cold weather the local area experienced in the past few weeks is still remembered. We know that it was very, very cold, but what can cause temperatures to fall so far below zero?

K-State Climatologist Mary Knapp explains there are two kinds of weather systems that have the capability to cause a deep freeze. An Alberta Clipper typically refers to a cold low pressure system that starts in the arctic plains of Alberta, Canada. The polar vortex has its origins along the arctic circle. In both cases, as the low plunges southeast into the United States, it brings extremely cold weather with it.

These cold days are nothing new. Knapp says they have happened in the United States in recent years, with record cold temperatures being recorded in some areas. In 1963, a great arctic outbreak invaded the deep south. Nashville, Tennessee set an all time record low of 17 degrees below zero.

Knapp says that January can bring some extreme winter weather to Kansas. In January 1979, high winds caused blowing and drifting snow, with drifts up to 18 feet. Wind chill indexes were 30 to 40 degrees below zero in most areas.

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