LANSING, Mich. — You may have heard the term "polar vortex" tossed around during this storm.
So what is it?
The term is a fairly recent one to the public but is not a new weather phenomenon. Scientists have known about it for a long time.
The polar vortex originates from the polar regions of the earth.
It is a flow of air high up in the atmosphere that, at times, goes through strengthening and weakening periods.
At times, it interacts with the jet stream, which is the conductor of storm systems at the surface.
The polar vortex currently is causing the jet stream to dip farther south, sending arctic air from the north into our region.
It has been around forever, but we do not always see the effects from it in Mid-Michigan. Over the coming days with the bitter cold, we will.
Stay with the FOX 47 News Weather Authority for the latest forecast on this polar vortex.
