Polar Vortex 2024. A weaker polar vortex usually means a weaker jet stream, which increases the chance of a more dynamic (colder/snowy) winter pattern over the united states, canada, and/or europe. Shown are selected potential vorticity contours colored by altitude range:

Following a polar vortex disruption in early march, winds at 60 degrees north (outlined in magenta) on march 16, 2024, were mostly from the east—a reversal of the normal wintertime circulation of the polar stratosphere. The polar vortex is not synonymous with a cold snap.