The Polar Vortex and the Lake Effect Calls for Drastic Changes in the Weather from KentWired.com on Vimeo.

Despite the freezing temperatures and wintery weather, Kent State University will most likely reach 60 degrees by February 18. Kent State geology professor and departmental chairperson, Scott Sheridan, said these drastic changes occur from the polar vortex and the lake effect. 

The polar vortex shifts the colder air from the north and south poles—also known as the cold front. When we consider Lake Erie, Sheridan went on to say the lake effect is another factor to the changing temperatures.

Because Lake Erie is less frozen than usual, the cold air surges over the relatively warm lake. Consequently, the cold temperatures and snow descended into the Kent region.

Aliah Keller is a broadcast reporter, contact her at [email protected].