Don’t pack up your jackets and pull out your shorts just yet. Forecasters predict the warm weather streak will fade as pockets of cold fronts move into New England later this spring.
Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok says the March polar vortex disruption is one of the largest meteorologists have seen in a long time.
A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds the Earth’s poles, according to the National Weather Service. Polar vortexes typically develop in September and dissipate through the end of spring.
The polar vortex disruption occurs when warm winds breach the arctic — dragging cold air further south.
The meteorologist said the disruption has brought along warmer weather to parts of New England and the Northeast for the time being. However, the warm weather isn’t expected to last for long.
Pastelok anticipates cold weather setbacks in April and May. According to the forecaster, warm weather moving in from the southwest will weaken the polar vortex disruption in the east. The weakened polar vortex disruption will bring pockets of cold weather to the east.
Meteorologist don’t link the incoming colder weather to climate change. Pastelok explains that this year is affected by “La Niña,” when the water off the Pacific coast is colder, which pushes along colder winds.
While the forecaster anticipates some chilly days and nights in April and May, he does not expect the overall spring season to be bitterly cold.
Currently, the warm weather is anticipated to persist over the coming weeks. Meteorologists project a few rainy days ahead, which should aid in relieving areas of New England experiencing weak to moderate drought conditions.
