Something strange is happening in the skies above the Arctic: the polar vortex is collapsing unusually early. The polar vortex is a ring of westerly winds that forms about 10 to 30 miles above the Earth’s surface,

The polar vortex strengthens every winter in the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere that stretches from about 10 to 30 miles above Earth’s surface, explains Andrea Lopez Lang, an associate professor in atmospheric and oceanic sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

The polar vortex is being disrupted early in the season. That might eventually lead to an outbreak of frigid air in the United States.

The polar vortex is a large region of low pressure and cold air that surrounds both of Earth’s poles. It is always present near the poles but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term "vortex" describes the counterclockwise flow of air that helps keep colder air near the poles.

The effect this will have on U.S. weather remains uncertain. While other forecasters agree that a polar vortex disruption—also known as a “sudden stratospheric warming” (SSW) event—is likely on the way, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll get an early taste of winter.

Scientists say the polar vortex is weakening unusually early, with uncertain effects on winter weather across the Northern Hemisphere. Read more at straitstimes.com.

An unusual polar vortex disruption could raise the risk of colder U.S. weather later in November or December.

Forecasts predict a dramatic weakening of the polar vortex, with some even indicating the winds could reverse direction by mid-November.