Could Polar Vortex Bring Cold And Snow To Upstate New York?

When you hear the words polar vortex generally it means we're talking about cold air and how that will impact the greater Capital Region. Recently the disruption of the polar vortex, which is a natural thing that is normally over the north pole, according to ABC 7, has made for some great headlines. The question we have is if there really is anything we need to be worried about in Upstate New York, and in early November?

What is the polar vortex?

From the National Weather Service, "The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter."
Read More: Capital Region Divided Over This Holiday Tradition

Basically that air is always spinning clockwise around the poles. From what I have been seeing is that the warm air from the current El Nino has weakened, or will weaken, the colder air that keeps the vortex contained. It could potentially push that colder air south towards us, but most meteorologists say it is unclear as to when that could happen, or if it will happen. I think the most important thing to note is that this isn't a new thing, or a weird thing. It is completely normal.

Listen to your local weather experts

I am not an expert by any means, but I think that most of you know that. That's why I rely on the most up-to-date weather info from my friends like Christina Talamo and other Capital Region meteorologist who study this stuff each and every day. Make sure you're just following along with your local weather to figure out if or when this will impact us.

I'm not sure if you've been outside recently, but we've had a stretch of really warm weather in the Capital Region. Yes, according to Accuweather it will cool down next week, but we're way above average right now. The cool down is putting us back down near the average temps for this time of year. Plus, we're getting closer to winter than summer right now. It is only natural for us to cool down.