Welcoming us back to the start of the Spring Semester is a chilly present from up north, but what exactly is a polar Vortex?

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term "vortex" refers to the counterclockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles. Many times during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream. This occurs fairly regularly during wintertime and is often associated with large outbreaks of Arctic air in the United States.

How to stay warm with the freezing temperatures, icy roads, and snow. Make sure you have warm boots, pants, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, and thermal under clothes for yourself, having hand warmers also helps ease the chill. 

And while the cold can make it hard to be outside, remember that you can always look forward to the Memorial Union Winter Carnival! On Saturday, February 8, you can watch as snowboarders and skiers perform tricks at the Rail Jam set up on the Memorial Union Terrace. There will also be roomball, ice skating, and other winter activities. Don’t forget to get a picture of the head of the Statue of Liberty—a Madison Winter Carnival tradition!

Check out the website for more on this fun event. 

Submitted by Park,Scott on January 22, 2025

This article appears in the categories: Law Library