Fed up with frigid temperatures? Blame the polar vortex - Action News
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Ottawa

Fed up with frigid temperatures? Blame the polar vortex

You can thank the polar vortex for this week's plunging temperatures and weather-related cancellations.

Though recently popularized, weather forecasters say polar vortex has always existed

You can thank the polar vortex for this week's deep-freeze temperatures. (Andrew Foote/CBC)

In case it isn't painfully obvious, it's going to be a cold, cold winter.

Between high windsand extreme temperatures dipping well into the20s, Ottawaresidents might want to think twice before heading out for New Year's.

But what exactly is causing the extreme temperatures?

According to Environment Canada, you can thank thepolar vortex.That's when alarge pocket of dense arctic air blastsfreezing air over a region. It can last for several days at a timeand createdangerous conditions.

But what does that mean for the average Ottawa resident?Well, remember the infamous winter of 2014? Meteorologists called it Canada's longest winter.Consider this a rerun.

Polar vortexes exist around both of the Earth's poles, but weakenin the summer and pickup strength in the winter, according to Environment Canada.

While the term has recently became popularized,weather forecasters say the polar vortex hasalways existed.

To protect yourself from the extreme cold, EnvironmentCanada suggests dressing in layersand ensuring your outer layer is wind proof. If you experience shortness of breathor a numbing sensation, you are advised to seek shelter as soon as possible.

This week, Ontario saw weather and frostbite warnings for regions across the province, and that's expected to continue into the new year.