Polar vortex is circulation of strong , upper-level winds that normally surround the North Pole . But it is in a position that is bringing warmer , moist air from the Atlantic over Northwest Europe , resulting in the stormy conditions . The polar vortex, which has been in place for a few years now, can be seen as an area where air from both poles meets and flows together to form one large region ( or " zone " ) A cold air outbreak caused by the polar vortex is much more widespread than a single storm . Research suggests the distortion could be a side effect of global warming .
Polar vortex is circulation of strong , upper-level winds that normally surround the North Pole . The polar vortex, which has been in place for a few years now, can be seen as an area where air from both poles meets and flows together to form one large region ( or " zone " ) A cold air outbreak caused by the polar vortex is much more widespread than a single storm . Research suggests the distortion could be a side effect of global warming .