Polar vortex breaks up unusually early

The polar vortex has broken up unusually early, Yle reported, citing the Finnish Meteorological Institute. The breakup usually occurs in midwinter, the institute told the STT news agency.

Any effects on weather are expected to become visible only in the coming weeks and will appear in future forecasts.

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air above the polar regions in the stratosphere. When it breaks up, cold air can flow from the polar regions towards more southerly latitudes.

Ilta-Sanomat reported the breakup earlier.