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Observed and forecasted (NOAA GEFSv12) wind speed in the polar vortex compared to the natural range of variability (faint blue shading). Since mid-November, the winds at 60 degrees North (the mean location of the polar vortex) have been stronger than normal. According to the GEFSv12 forecast issued on January 29 2025, those winds are forecast to remain stronger than normal for at least the next couple of weeks (bold red line). By the end of February, there is considerably more uncertainty whether the polar vortex winds will remain strong or weaken. NOAA Climate.gov image.