What is a polar vortex? US gets a taste of the Arctic this week

What is a polar vortex? US gets a taste of the Arctic this week

The term “polar vortex” usually refers to the gigantic circular upper air weather pattern in the Arctic region. It is a normal pattern that is stronger in the winter and keeps some of the coldest weather bottled up near the North Pole.

But at times some of the vortex can break off or move south, bringing unusually cold weather south and permitting warmer weather to creep up north.

This week, parts of the U.S. are experiencing the 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season. Weather forces in the Arctic are combining to push the chilly air into the U.S. and Europe.

With record snow in New Orleans last month and drought and destructive wildfires in Southern California, this winter has not been normal.

The latest projected cold outbreak will bring bone-chilling temperatures to the Northern and Central Plains for several days, starting Sunday.

Wind chills dropped to minus 60 Fahrenheit (minus 51 Celsius) in parts of North Dakota Monday and minus 50 F (minus 46 C) in parts of Montana. Wind chills were expected to dip even lower Tuesday morning.

“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes,” the NWS warned Monday.

Meteorologists expect strong winds to make the cold feel even worse. Every U.S. state but Hawaii, California and Florida have some or all parts forecast to have a good chance of windchills of 20 degrees or below sometime next week, the National Weather Service predicted.

Some experts say disruptions to polar vortexes are happening more frequently because of a warming world. A warmer Artic gives more energy to atmospheric waves that can drive weather patterns, making the waves more likely to disrupt the vortex and move colder air south into lower latitudes.

Despite the unusually cold winter across the U.S., the world remains in an overall warming pattern. Earth’s average overall temperature set yet another monthly heat record in January. It was the 18th month of the last 19 that the world hit or passed the internationally agreed upon warming limit of 1.5 C (2.7 F) above pre-industrial times.

“Yes” Foods for Dogs

“Yes” Foods for Dogs

Human foods that are okay for dogs

Photo by Getty Images

Humans have discovered and made some of the most delicious foods throughout history and we have shared our delicacies with many cultures around the world. Thankfully we know of some really good foods we can share with man’s best friend. Here is a short list of human foods that dogs can eat:

  1. Cheese- Dogs love cheese. This is a great treat as a reward or even good dog food topper. Just make sure your dog doesn’t have a problem with cheese or has a lactose intolerant.
  2. Bread– Who doesn’t love bread, as long as it doesn’t have any spices or raisins (raisins are dried grapes which are VERY toxic to dogs) in it, its a fine treat for dogs. Though if you are thinking about giving your dog bread, homemade is better than store-bought.
  3. Ham– Ham is a good meat to give to dogs but just limit how much fat you are giving your dog. Since ham is so high in sodium just make sure you just giving your pooch small amounts and not often.

There are so many foods that your dog can have and this list provided by the American Kennel Club is a great source of information.

View More Tips
Whipped Feta Dip

Whipped Feta Dip

Whipped Feta Dip

Photo by Getty Images

Whipped Feta Dip Recipe from Dinner at the Zoo

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: N/A

Serving size: Yields 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Warm pita, for serving
  • Honey, for drizzling
  • Fresh mint, for garnish
whisk mixes a hearty dip of goat cream cheese with ground nuts and pepper in a glass bowl, selected focus - whipping feta stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  1. Blend the Ingredients – In a food processor, combine feta, cream cheese, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth and creamy.
  2. Serve & Garnish – Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with fresh mint for added flavor.
  3. Enjoy! – Serve with warm pita or your favorite dippers.
  4. This creamy, tangy whipped feta is the perfect blend of savory and sweet! 🧄🍯
whipped feta dip with hot honey - whipped feta dip stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images
Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad

Photo by Getty Images

Quinoa Salad Recipe from Taste of Home

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups water
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
  • 6 tbsp fresh mint, minced
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 mini cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, chopped
a spoonful of cooked quinoa - making quinoa stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  1. Cook the Quinoa – In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, toast the quinoa for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, mint, and salt.
  3. Assemble the Salad – Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, and red onion to the quinoa. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
  4. Chill & Serve – Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy cold or at room temperature!
  5. This refreshing, citrusy quinoa salad is perfect as a light meal or a side dish! 🍋🌿
homemade tabbouleh salad with quinoa and vegetables - quinoa salad stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images
Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken

Photo by Getty Images

Marry Me Chicken Recipe from Love from the Oven

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Serving size: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish
marry me chicken. creamy garlic sun dried tomato chicken. healthy food - marry me chicken stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken – In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly.
  2. Sear the Chicken – Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any bits from the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme.
  4. Incorporate the Tomatoes – Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
  5. Finish Cooking – Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
  6. Serve & Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or potatoes.
  7. Enjoy this rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish! 🍽️✨
marry me chicken penne with creamy pasta, tender chicken breast, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs closeup on the plate. horizontal top view - marry me chicken stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images
Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon

Photo by Getty Images

Crab Rangoon Recipe from Dinner at the Zoo

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serving size: 20 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz crab meat or imitation crab, chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish
  • 20 wonton wrappers
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Oil for frying
  • Dipping sauce of choice
crab rangoons homemade - wonton wrapper crab stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  1. Prepare the Filling – In a mixing bowl, combine crab meat, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and green onions. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  2. Fill the Wontons – Lay a wonton wrapper flat and place 2 teaspoons of the filling in the center. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg.
  3. Shape the Wontons – Bring two opposite corners together at the center and pinch. Repeat with the other two corners to form a small pouch. Press the edges to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
  4. Fry to Perfection – Heat 4 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry in small batches (5-6 wontons at a time), turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).
  5. Drain & Serve – Transfer cooked wontons to a paper towel-lined plate. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
  6. Enjoy your crispy, creamy crab wontons! 🦀✨
asian crab rangoons with sweet and sour sauce - crab rangoon stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Recent News

Powered By SoCast