Upcoming Polar Vortex 2024 Lok. With the occurrence of a major disruption to the polar vortex (or sudden stratospheric warming) on january 16 2023 [footnote 1], one of the first questions everyone. When the polar vortex weakens or even splits, it allows frigid air to escape and push southward toward the usa.

It usually produces one later in winter, compared to an el niño. So did we see the second sudden stratospheric warming of the year?