"Arctic's Polar Vortex Reversal: Understanding the Sudden Spin"
The polar vortex above the Arctic is spinning in the opposite direction following a surprise warming event in Earth's atmosphere, causing a record-breaking "ozone spike" above the North Pole. While such reversals have previously led to extreme cold weather in the U.S., this event is not expected to cause a similar "big freeze." The disruption did not alter the jet stream's shape, so weather patterns are likely to remain largely unaffected. However, the change in air temperature has led to a temporary increase in ozone levels around the Arctic, which is expected to dissipate once the polar vortex returns to normal.