Best posts made by Polina Nozdrina

Our app's latest update, version 43, enhances your weather forecasting experience. Here is a summary of all the features we launched in the Android and iOS apps.

15-day forecast with AIFS model

The extended 15-day forecast by AIFS offers better long-range predictions. Go to the detailed forecast of any location with the ECMWF model. From day 11 to 15, it is displayed as AIFS. The model is not a map forecast. The feature is only available in Premium.

Radar+ layer

With the new Radar+ layer, you can track storms and precipitation more accurately, offering real-time data at your fingertips. You can turn on/off the radar and satellite layers, as you need for any situation. Free for everyone for 1h footage. Detailed 6h and 12h footage is available to Premium users with 365-day archive.

Newly added HRDPS Model

The high-res HRDPS model for users in Canada and the northern US ensures highly detailed weather forecasting in these regions. Provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada, the forecast model has a 2.5 km resolution and is available for wind, temperature, rain, and cloud layers for the next 48 hours. For Free users, the model is updated 2 times a day. For Windy Premium users, the model is updated every 6 - 7 hours.

Newly added Aladin Model

The high-res Aladin model from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute also delivers refined weather predictions for Central Europe, offering enhanced clarity and reliability. The forecast model has a 2.3 km resolution and is available for wind, temperature, rain, and cloud layers. For Free users, the model is updated 2 times a day. For Windy Premium users, the model is updated every 6 - 7 hours.

Extended Wind Detail

We've expanded the wind forecast when you click on any location worldwide. Free users now get wind details for up to 6 days, while Premium users can access estimates for up to 10 days.

Enhanced editing in Route Planner

Experience an enhanced user interface in the route planner, offering a straightforward view for planning your next adventure. The route planner now delivers detailed information for cars, hiking, boats, and airplanes.

Update your app now in the App Store and Google Play and experience these advanced features and improvements!

Give us feedback and win the Windy merch!

That's all! Try Radar+ and tell us what you think in the comments. We'll pick five commenters and send you an original Windy tin mug and legendary isoline socks. It pays to read the articles to the end! :)

Windy.com version 44 has arrived, bringing powerful features designed to enhance forecasting accuracy, improve usability, and offer even more tools for weather enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Here's a detailed overview of what’s new:

15-Day Forecast for ECMWF and GFS Models

The ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) model has been enhanced to deliver more detailed and accurate 15-day forecasts. Additionally, the Global Forecast System (GFS) model also provides 15-day forecasts. The prolonged forecast is now visible to Premium users on both the map and forecast detail.

New MTG Satellite

We’re excited to introduce the integration of MTG (Meteosat Third Generation) satellite imagery into Windy.com. MTG satellites represent the latest advancements in meteorological observation technology, offering unparalleled image clarity, higher spatial resolution for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, parts of South America.

Hi-Res ACCESS-C Model for Australia

Australia now has access to the ACCESS-C model, featuring an outstanding 1.5km resolution. This high-resolution data provides localized forecasts with exceptional detail, particularly useful for activities like aviation, marine operations, and outdoor events. The ACCESS-C model focuses on Australia and its surrounding regions.

Redesigned User Interface for Favorite Items

The Graphical User Interface for favorite items has been revamped, offering a more intuitive design. Managing your favorite weather layers, spots, and settings is now more seamless, enabling faster navigation and a more user-friendly experience.

Give us feedback and win free Windy merch!

If you have read until here, share your thoughts on the latest update - we’ll pick a few comments to whom we will send a Windy hat and a winter jacket!

We’re excited to unveil a long-awaited feature that will transform how you experience weather updates: Radar+. This layer combines satellite imagery and weather radar into a single view, allowing users to understand the weather situation better.

What to expect from Radar+

• More details in one place to provide the whole context of the nowcast.
• Radar+ also works with the Hurricane Tracker tool. It provides emergency and rescue teams with incredibly detailed information about the situation when the hurricane/typhoon is within radar reach.
• Besides live weather monitoring, the Radar+ layer has a 365-day history archive with Windy Premium. This way, you can look at any hurricane/typhoon/storm in the last 365 days.

Choose between three satellite layers

• BLUE, taking into account day and night with beautiful animations of sunrises
• VISIBLE, rather neutral and clear view of the layer
• INFRA+, showing the satellite in the infrared spectrum

Give us feedback and win the Windy merch!

That's all! Try Radar+ and tell us what you think in the comments. We'll pick five commenters and send you an original Windy tin mug and legendary isoline socks. It pays to read the articles to the end! :)

We're excited to unveil our latest feature: ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) has developed its own data-driven forecast model called the Artificial Intelligence/Integrated Forecasting System (AIFS)!

• Extended Forecast: Get a detailed weather outlook for the next 15 days, helping you plan your activities and trips with greater accuracy. Simply go to the detailed forecast of any location with the ECMWF model.

• Global Coverage: Access precise weather forecasts for any location in the world. Whether you're checking the weather for your hometown or the destination of your next trip, Windy.com has you covered.

• Detailed Insights: Our 15-day forecast provides in-depth information, including temperature trends, precipitation probabilities, wind speeds, and more.

However, looking 15 days ahead into the weather is risky. This is why we recommend using this long forecast as a trend-watching tool rather than planning your activities for specific days based on this forecast solely.

🤖 How does AIFS work?

These systems use advanced machine learning models to analyze current and past weather patterns, providing accurate and detailed forecasts. AIFS employs ensemble forecasting for reliability, continuously learns and updates its models, and delivers real-time updates. The result is increased forecast accuracy, early warnings for severe weather, personalized predictions, and improved decision-making across various sectors, significantly enhancing our ability to respond to weather changes.

🔗 How to Access the 15-Day Forecast?

Upgrade to Premium: If you're not already a Premium user, head over to this link to purchase Premium
Select Your Location: In Windy, click on any location in the world.
View the Forecast: Enjoy a comprehensive 15-day weather forecast provided by ECMWF and AIFS.

Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.

We’re excited to announce the release of Windy.com Version 45, bringing you powerful new tools for weather forecasting and flight planning!

✈️ VFR Airspace Maps for Pilots

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts can now access VFR airspace maps directly in Windy. Each airport map now displays airspace classification, name, and altitude limits, providing crucial situational awareness. These visual enhancements ensure you can quickly assess controlled and uncontrolled airspace, making your flight planning safer and more efficient.

📊 Compare 15-Day Forecasts in Model Comparison

In our Model Comparison tool, you can compare weather forecasts for up to 15 days, helping you make better long-term weather predictions. Whether tracking storms, planning outdoor activities, or scheduling flights, this feature gives you a broader view of potential weather changes.

🔔 Easily migrate favorites to alerts

As we enhance our alert system by providing a separate category for it, we’re providing you with the option to migrate your existing alerts, previously stored under Favorites. Please note that all alerts must be migrated by May 15, 2025, to prevent loss.

Tutorial on How to Set up Alerts

Additional Improvements

• Create alerts directly from webcams 📷

• Save customized layer colors which load instantly at next login 🎨

• Set more elaborate thresholds for rain and snow alerts 🌨️

and many other fixes and improvements 🛠️

Update your Windy.com app now and explore the latest features! 🚀

Comment to Win Merch!

Share your thoughts in the comments or on our community forum for a chance to win exclusive Windy.com merch! We'll select five winners, so be sure to check your direct messages on the community platform on April 10th to see if you're one of them.

We're thrilled to introduce Version 41 and guide you through its latest enhancements: Radar Nowcasting for a 1-hour forecast ahead of time, and two more aviation related features: Icing severity and Clear Air Turbulence.

Radar nowcasting

Our radar nowcasting feature allows users to see weather conditions up to one hour in advance, directly on the radar map. The process is calculated by optical flow, which is calculated over the whole composite at once through the process of extrapolation.

As this is a brand new feature on Windy, we'd like to hear feedback from your side. Let us know what you think in the comments. One of you can win a Windy sweatshirt!

Icing Severity

The icing severity feature offers automated, objective, and reliable forecasts of the probability of encountering icing conditions in different altitudes. This feature may prevent multiple aviation risks, such as the process of take-offs and landings or frozen precipitation on an aircraft. The layer is available in 5 different weather models (ECMWF, GFS, HRRR, NAM, ACCESS).

Remember to change the altitude, as the Icing Severity layer may change dramatically at different altitudes.

Clear Air Turbulence

Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), often viewed as a threat to aviation safety, makes it difficult for pilots and onboard radars to detect. It's a critical tool for planning air travel and understanding the broader climatic conditions. CAT also can to be interpreted in terms of altitude.

This layer is available in 9 weather models (ECMWF, GFS, ICON, ICON-EU, ICON-D2, UKV, HRRR, NAM, ACCESS)

Even more impressive with Windy Premium

We're delighted to enhance your Windy experience by making it more seamless and adding new relevant features. Icing Severity and Clear Air Turbulence layers are available in a 10-day forecast (ECWMF and GFS model) with Windy Premium.

Become a Premium member today and enjoy all the perks which you can read about here!

Windy.com offers an exciting opportunity for tech enthusiasts and developers to enhance the weather experience by creating custom Windy Plugins. By developing a Windy Plugin, users can tailor the site’s capabilities to better serve specific interests by adding unique overlays, data points, and predictive models.

All the information on how to create your own plugin can be found here:

• Windy Plugins Guide↗
• Documentation↗
• Plugin Template (GitHub)↗

If you want support for your plugin, we'd be happy to invite you to our Windy Slack channel (invite-only). Let us know in the comments.

Here are some of the examples of Plugins that had previously been made for Windy:

Better Soundings by @vicb

Similar to Windy's sounding forecast, but a more detailed display of soundings for paraglider pilots.

Sun and Moon position by @jacobsjo

Displays Sun and Moon positions at any place and time. Perfect for photographers and other hobbyists.

Boat Tracker Example by @ivo

A plugin aimed at showing the trajectories of boats. Code can be used for tracking planes or cars as well.

As 2025 has started, we’re thrilled to reflect on an incredible year of growth and improvements at Windy.com. Here’s a look at the major updates we’ve introduced over the past year.

Four Major App Versions

Last year, we launched four significant updates to the Windy app: versions 41, 42, 43, and 44. Each release brought innovative features, enhanced usability, and bug fixes, ensuring the app remains a reliable companion for weather enthusiasts worldwide.

Redesigned Desktop UI

We unveiled a refreshed user interface for the desktop version of Windy.com. The new design streamlines navigation, making it easier than ever to access critical weather data while offering a visually appealing experience.

Global Expansion of Localized Radars

In 2024, we expanded our network of localized radars, adding coverage in Croatia, Turkey, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Tonga and many more. These additions provide more accurate, real-time weather data for users in these regions.

Radar+ Layer

A standout addition last year was the Radar+ layer, which combines Satellite and This feature provides a comprehensive view of weather conditions by integrating satellite imagery with weather radar, offering users unparalleled insights.

Features

Our commitment to innovation led to the release of several new features. These include a 1-hour forecast for more precise weather predictions, improved rain accumulation visualization, new lightning detection technology for enhanced storm tracking, better visual quality through advanced optical flow rendering, and many others.

New Localized Models

Additionally, we registered several new localized weather models, including Japan's MSM, Australia's ACCESS-C, and France's Arome (covering the Caribbean and Reunion). We also extended support for ECMWF and GFS models, offering broader and more detailed weather predictions.

Integration of MTG Satellite Images

In second half of the year, we introduced imagery from the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite, providing high-resolution views and improving our satellite-based forecasting and observation capabilities.

We remain committed to innovating and improving your experience on Windy.com. Thank you for being part of this journey, and here’s to another year of bringing the world’s weather closer to you!

We appreciate your support, whether you're using our app or subscribing to our Premium! In the comment below, share which country you're from and tell us your favorite feature on Windy. We'll select a few comments and send them our brand new 2025 Windy merchandise: socks and a water bottle! We pick five lucky ones on January 22nd!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new YouTube playlist: Windy Weather Academy!

This educational series is designed to help you master the Windy.com app and make the most of its powerful features. You’ll find easy-to-follow video tutorials that guide you through the app’s functionalities step-by-step.

📌 How to Understand and Navigate the Map

Learn how to:
✔ Zoom in and out for different perspectives
✔ Move through time using the timeline slider
✔ Interpret colors and patterns on the Windy map

📌 How to Read the Detailed Forecast

Get a deeper understanding of:
✔ Weather models and forecast accuracy
✔ Temperature, wind, and precipitation details
✔ Using the Meteogram and Airgram

📌 How to Use Map Overlays

Explore map display for:
✔ Wind, temperature, and precipitation overlays
✔ Radar and satellite views
✔ Specialized layers for pilots, sailors, and storm chasers

📌 How to Customize Your Settings

Tailor Windy.com to your needs by learning how to:
✔ Adjust units and animation settings
✔ Save time format or language
✔ Set up direction labels

🧦 Comment and Win the Windy.com Merch

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, explore the Windy Weather Academy, and tell us which country you are watching from in the comments below this post.

We will choose 5 of you again and send you a gift with Windy.com merchandise!

Among the improved features in version 42, is a detailed interface enriched with visuals. Here is how you can customise the layers for a better overview:

Adding the layer to the menu

• Open the hamburger menu above the layers and choose which layer you would like to pin.

• Simply long-tap the layer, and a small pin will appear in the upper right corner, meaning it is pinned in your menu.

Below is a video tutorial for the desktop version.

• In the menu, choose the pin labeled "Arrange layers" so the labels start "shaking". This means you can rearrange the layers by dragging them into your quick menu, as well as sort their order.

Removing the layer from the menu

• When you open the menu and click on pin labeled "Arrange layers", layers are "shaking" again. Now you can simply click on the bin button to delete layer from your quick menu.

As always, we are committed to continuous improvement and eagerly await your feedback to make our app even better. Enjoy the latest and greatest we have to offer!

Real-time vs forecast

For the current situation regarding the tropical storm, we recommend using the Radar+ layer. This combines satellite imagery and weather radar coverage if it's within the radar's reach. You can turn on/off the satellite or radar layer.

Where to find the Hurricane Tracker

The ultimate tool for tracking hurricanes is the Hurricane Tracker, which has all available forecast scenarios. By default, we always show the local model.

Using Windy images in media

Windyty, S.E. (owner of Windy.com) gives you full right to use any videos, animations, or screen captures in any media, project, or any other intellectual work for free as long as the "Windy.com" logo remains visible. If you want to go beyond screenshots or video captures, use Windy Embed at embed.windy.com

Windy Premium vs. Free

The Hurricane Tracker has no limitations. The hurricane forecast remains the same. We don't sell ads or data; you don't have to register. The Hurricane Tracker is free for all.

If you want to support us, become a Windy Premium subscriber to unlock a 15-day forecast (ECMWF and GFS), more frequent updates of the weather models, tide forecast, the route planner, a one-year archive of satellite and weather radar imagery, and much more.

We’re constantly improving our radar coverage to provide the most accurate and up-to-date weather information. Here are our latest updates:

🇦🇷 Argentina: Radar Coverage is Here

After a long period without data, we’re thrilled to announce that certain areas of Argentina—including the capital, Buenos Aires—are now covered.

🇬🇷 Greece: Improved Crete Radar

A big shoutout to our community for pointing us to an old website where Greece’s radar data is still available—helping us bring even better coverage to the country. We’ve fixed the range for the radar in Crete, extending it from 200 km to 240 km

🌍 Azores: Two New Radars Added

We’ve integrated two new radars covering the Azores Islands, significantly enhancing weather monitoring in this region.

🇧🇷 Brazil: New Radars Added

In Brazil we have expanded its radar network, increasing both the number of radars and the extent of its territorial coverage.

Due to record-breaking rainfall, Central Europe faces severe flooding risks. Heavy rains are expected to intensify through the weekend. These are quick tips on monitoring the situation.

Weather Radar

Radar is indispensable for monitoring the current situation. It can be used to extrapolate the further development of the storm and precipitation for the next minutes and hours. In addition, you can add a widget to your phone's home screen, which we recommend.

Rain, Thunder

People sometimes have trouble distinguishing between a weather radar and a "Rain, thunder" layer. While Radar shows the current situation from its measurements, the "Rain, thunder" layer is a forecast model that shows the total rainfall for 3 hours. Thanks to the excellent model coverage in Central Europe, you can compare several models with each other depending on your exact location. We recommend using hi-res models like ICON-D2, AROME-HD, ALADIN, or UKV for short-term forecasting.

Rain accumulation

Shows the forecast for the selected time period. Again, you can compare several models with other layers. Extremely useful during floods in particular.

Webcams

To follow the situation in near real-time, we recommend using webcams. With more than 50,000 webcams around the world, it gives you clear

Weather Warnings

These warnings are the official warnings issued by local hydrometeorological agencies in CAP standards and are usually issued in the local language and English.

Be vigilant, avoid areas at risk of flooding, and follow the advice of local authorities.

日本メソスケールモデル (MSM) は、気象庁 (JMA) により開発され運用されている高解像度の数値気象予報 (NWP) モデルのことです。MSMは、特に豪雨、暴風雨、その他の局所的気象現象などの詳細な短期予報を提供する目的で作成されています。

MSMの主な特徴

• MSMは、JMAにおいて公式な天気予報や警報を発表するために日々使用されている実用的なモデルです。

• Windy内では、可視化は毎時変化します。モデルと互換性を有するのは、風力風向、気圧、気温、露点、湿度、湿球温度、降雨、雷、降雨量、雲層、波及びうねりです。

• Windyには、Premiumユーザについては毎時、その他のユーザについては3時間毎に可視化表示されます。

• MSMはPremiumユーザについては毎日8回、その他のユーザについては12時間毎に随時更新されます。随時更新により、気象条件の急速な変化を捉えることができます。

• MSMは、高空間解像度、およそ5kmで運用されています。

• 予測は、783時間先まで可能です。

• 以下では、MSMのデータの予測方法が他のモデルとどのように異なるのか比較しています。

MSMについて

MSMは、非静水圧大気力学に基づき、静水圧モデルが捉えることができないような小規模の気象現象を正確にシミュレートすることができます。雲の構成、放射、地表との相互作用、及び対流のような様々な物理プロセスについてのパラメータ化を洗練させました。MSMは、高解像度で更新が頻繁であるため、計算負荷が高くなります。計算処理は、JMAで保守されている超スーパーコンピュータ上で実行されています。

Windyをダウンロードして、あなたの地域の詳細予報を見る

Looking for historical data for radar or satellite? Both are now easy to find!

With the latest update 42, you can access an archive going back up to 365 days.

In case of the radar, simply click on the Radar layer, and below the timeline you will find the button "Archive". Click on it and choose a date between now and a year ago - the map will automatically show radar data for the specific day. The same method works for Satellite.

Below is a video of how you can access the archive (applicable for both radar and satellite).

Please be aware that the historical archive is a Premium feature. If you want to explore this as well many other exclusive features, get Premium subscription today to make your weather forecasting experience even better!

As Earth tilts away from the sun and the air becomes gradually cooler, we are reminded that winter is on the horizon. This season, characterized by its cold temperatures, snow, and shorter days, brings a unique set of challenges and joys. 🏂

Understanding the weather patterns during winter is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for safety, planning, and making the most of the season.❄️

The list of Windy uses is already extensive as it is, but here are some ways that can be of use for winter times:

• Snowboarding and skiing: Enhance your experience up in the mountains during skiing or snowboarding by having the most accurate snow-level forecasting and up-to-date webcams from the resort.

• Ski touring: Assess weather conditions such as cloudiness, wind, and temperature, before planning a ski tour or splitboarding in the backcountry. All of that in high-resolution models such as ICON-D2, HRRR, AROME, or UKV.

• Snowkiting: Master the Windy situation (get it?) for the most exhilarating experiences above the mountains.

• Protection from risks such as Frostbite and Hypothermia: Exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite, which damages body tissues, and hypothermia, where the body temperature drops to dangerously low levels. These conditions are particularly risky for vulnerable populations like the elderly, homeless, and children.

• Avoid road hazards: by checking the level of new snow. A thin coating forming into ice on the surface is particularly dangerous as it's nearly invisible to drivers.

How to enjoy winter and avoid weather risks with Windy

Most layers are usable all year round, but we also have a few special layers that are particularly useful in winter.

• New snow 🌨️ - Shows total snow accumulation in the next hours or days. Explore the New Snow layer with up to 5 different weather models in the US and Europe. For short-term, high-resolution forecasts, check out our local models like HRRR, ICON-D2, UKV or AROME. Check it out here.

• Snow depth ❄️ - Forecasts depth and density of snow in the next days. The models offer is more simple. For every place on the planet, you can compare ECMWF and ICON forecasts. Available here.

• Webcams 📷 - Access to thousands of webcams worldwide capturing up-to-date images of a weather in diverse locations. Highly recommended before going to your favorite resort, local mountain, or favorite trail. Don't forget to use webcams previews to see different weather webcams in the area. The more you zoom in, the more webcams you get. Check the webcams here.

• Alerts 📱 - Set up customized alerts in Windy for specific weather events, like heavy snowfall, extremely low temperatures, or in-depth wind alerts. Be ready for your next big day!

• Offline mode [EXPERIMENTAL] - Use Windy in places with limited access to the Internet as we are currently testing the offline mode. Want to test with us? Read more about Offline Mode here.

• Weather Models - The app provides access to different weather models, including ECMWF, GFS, ICON, and others, offering a range of forecasts and scenarios. This diversity in data sources enhances the accuracy of predictions and helps users understand the potential range of weather outcomes.

• Weather warnings 🌍 - Before you set off on your adventure, it's worth checking out this layer. Hydrometeorological institutes worldwide regularly issue warnings about the effects of more than just winter weather. Stay safe!

Understanding and preparing for winter weather risks is crucial to navigate the winter season safely. This includes staying informed about weather forecasts, taking appropriate precautions, and having emergency plans and supplies ready for any "adventure" that winter may bring.

👑 Elevate your game with Windy Premium 👑

Winter season is an ideal start for your Windy Premium. Use high-resolution maps for the snow forecast, save an unlimited number of webcams and alerts, or check up to 12h records of the weather radar. The whole year of Premium adventures for just $18.99 (or equivalent in your currency). Go Premium now!

With the new update 42 there is now an opportunity to pin your favorites to the homepage.

Things that can be favorited

• Forecast for any map location

• Airport

• Webcam

• Radiation station

• Air Quality Station

Quick access to favorites

Here is how you can access your favorites on the mobile app:

And here is an animated tutorial on how to do it on the desktop version:

The Vendée Globe 2024 plugin, developed by Kevin Saliou, enables tracking the positions of boats competing in the Vendée Globe race and is now available on Windy's platform.

This plugin overlays the race data onto Windy's weather maps, allowing users to monitor the yachts' progress alongside real-time weather conditions.

Note that the plugin is only available for the desktop version.

Tutorial on How to Use the Plugin

#vendeeglobe2024

Check our social media or the Windy Community forums for the latest information on tracking the Vendée Globe race.

These seasonal winds, which bring intense and prolonged precipitation, pose significant challenges, such as flooding and landslides. Understanding where monsoon seasons occur and how to prepare for them is essential for minimizing their adverse effects.

Monitoring Weather in Real-time

• To follow real-time situation in the area, choose Satellite or Radar layer on Windy

• Both layers show real-time lighting data to watch incoming storms

• In addition, you can use the Hurricane Tracker, to follow any hurricane/typhoon/severe storms in the area

Monitoring Weather Forecast

• Select the layers such as rain and thunder, rain accumulation, thunderstorms, weather warnings or the feature hurricane tracker to view relevant data

• Compare different weather models (ECMWF, GFS, ICON, etc.) to get a comprehensive forecast. This helps in understanding the likely path and intensity of the monsoon

Setting Up Alerts

• Enable location-based alerts to get updates relevant to your specific area - this feature is particularly useful for localised monsoon preparation.

• Set up custom alerts by clicking firstly on the heart icon, then on the bell icon in the app.

• Choose relevant parameters such as rainfall amount, wind and timing. This ensures you receive timely notifications about significant weather changes.

Editing an alert

If you wish to remove an alert, simply go to your Profile > Find the alert > Swipe left on it > Choose "Edit" > Scroll down and press "Delete alert".

The polar vortex is a large, low-pressure system that sits over the Arctic, trapping extremely cold air in the region.

This system exists year-round but strengthens in winter, creating a swirling mass of frigid air high in the stratosphere.

When the vortex weakens or becomes disrupted, it can send waves of Arctic air southward, leading to extreme winter weather in the United States.

Polar Vortex Visualized

This animation depicts a polar vortex-driven cold air mass (yellow) surging eastward across the central and eastern U.S., creating a sharp temperature contrast. The western U.S. remains under colder (purple/blue) conditions, while localized turbulence or strong winds appear in the Rockies.

This pattern suggests a significant cold outbreak resulting in:

Heavy Snowfall and Ice Storms

The influx of Arctic air interacting with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico can trigger major winter storms, producing heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and hazardous conditions from the Midwest to the East Coast.

New Snow Layer

Prolonged Cold Spells

If the polar vortex remains displaced for an extended period, regions can experience longer-than-usual cold spells, affecting agriculture, energy demand, and transportation.

Freezing Altitude Layer

Regional Weather Extremes

While much of the country faces frigid conditions, some areas, particularly in the western U.S., may experience unusual warming as the jet stream shifts.

Extreme Forecast Layer