New York Bracing For Polar Vortex This Winter?

Like they used to say in the HBO show "Game of Thrones", Winter is coming.

So how will winter impact New York this year? From early predictions, it looks like the current El Nino will bring more snow than usual. But should New Yorkers also be bracing for a Polar Vortex?

WHAT IS A POLAR VORTEX?

The Polar Vortex is a very large area of low-pressure system of cold air that surrounds both of the Earth’s poles. It is always active near the poles, but its coverage shrinks in the summer months and expands in the winter months.

HOW DOES THE POLAR VORTEX IMPACT THE WEATHER?

If the low-pressure system expands to merge with parts of the Jet Stream, colder and snowier weather can more common over a larger part of the Earth.

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WILL THE POLAR VORTEX IMPACT NEW YORK THIS WINTER?

The answer is no. It looks like the Polar Vortex won't drop far enough to impact the weather here in New York. The biggest issue we have will be the El Nino and the cold weather air it will bring to New York from the West Coast.

WHEN SHOULD WE EXPECT SNOW HERE IN NEW YORK?

According to the long-range winter forecast from the Old Farmer's Almanac, it looks like we could see snow across parts of New York as early as mid-October. That is about a month earlier than normal for much of Western New York.

You can read the Old Farmer's Almanac's winter 2023-34 prediction HERE.

Check out the snowiest days in New York State history.