N America weather: Polar vortex brings record temperatures

[RobertEarl]

1. Polar ice and sea temps

At this link (not hot) you can see the sea temps and extrapolate sea ice content from the temperature bars displayed.

weather.gc.ca/data/analysis/351_50.gif C+P in your browser

At the top of the map and to the left is Russia. Center to top right is the N. Europe with the US in the middle bottom.

You can see that the temps near the Arctic circle off N. Europe are above freezing. Halfway to Siberia, the last time I looked - above freezing.

The vortex, I think, refers to a cyclonic circulation, meaning that the winds are blowing from the warmer N. Europe waters around to Siberia and on to Alaska, Canada and into the US.

This happens because warmer air rises, having inherent energy to do so. While cold air sinks. This rise and sink causes the winds.

The Atlantic is quite warm and holds the gulf warm stream, and is the main component of the warm air in N. Europe that sets up the vortex. Imo.