This is how our forecast Polar Vortex Breakdown - Sudden Stratospheric Warming - plays out over the next 2 weeks ~20 miles aloft, as per the GFS model. This top and bottom comparison is a good visual on how breakdown occurs. Notice on top how the frigid Polar Vortex (L) is large and in charge. On the bottom panel - 2 weeks later - warm high pressure expands & impinges on and displaces the cold vortex circulation. This can “unleash” frigid Arctic air trapped in the once strong vortex circulation.

NEW analysis video of the O-ring vortex structure that coincides with the descending bubble of vortex breakdown. This vortex breakdown cycle was evident right from the start of the tornado, with the most intense jet-like vortices happening right beneath the breakdown bubble just before it hits the ground. This new video analyzes this cycle earlier in the life of the Andover, KS EF3 tornado on April 29, 2022. Please let me know your thoughts! | Reed Timmer Extreme Meteorologist

285K views · 4.7K reactions | ❄️ Polar Vortex Collapse Has Begun ❄️...