Bitcoin price prediction: BTC USD is struggling to recover after briefly falling below $75,000, with analysts warning that another decline could come before a sustained rebound. While some see potential downside towards $73,400, a more bearish forecast points to $68,000. Spot Bitcoin ETF outflows have added to market pressure.
Yemen's Houthis Say 30 Dead In Saudi Strikes On Market
The Houthis said several strikes hit the market in an area under their control in Taiz province, the scene of fierce fighting since the Iran-backed group launched a major offensive in September.
'Sometimes in life, you have to make moves': Trump replaces Wiles with Miller as WH Chief of Staff
New research rules out the theory of Stonehenge Altar Stone's Northeast Scottish Origin
Brisbane Library House Auction: former private library cleared for sale; rebuild interest grows
Several Democrats renew calls for datacenter pauses after blue wave
Its the final goodbye: Monty Don bows out with a blissful last Gardeners World
Ferrari's Hamilton-Leclerc problem - and other F1 stories to follow
This weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix is in many ways the first page of the first chapter of the next championship battle.
In the lead-up to an election in which economic concerns dominate, there was no clear front-runner. Minor parties will most likely determine who governs.
Tech billionaires in Democrats crosshairs: Who could face congressional probes? Heres the hit list
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and other tech leaders could face congressional investigations as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in 2027. Their scrutiny could focus on ties to Donald Trump, political influence, AI development, data center expansion and the industry's impact on American jobs and communities.
Cornell faculty votes 'no confidence' in university leaders over handling of rape allegations
Cornell University's Faculty Senate approved a resolution Friday declaring no confidence in the school's top leaders , a symbolic gesture reflecting deep discontent on campus in the wake of a former student's lawsuit saying she was gang raped at a fraternity party in 2024 . The resolution passed 75-50, with five faculty senators abstaining and five others not voting, according to an email sent to Faculty Senate members on Friday afternoon. The vote followed weeks of debate among professors over whether Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff and other administrators handled the womans allegations properly and have done enough to curtail sexual misconduct at the prestigious university. While the faculty body has no power over the university's top leaders, backers of the resolution had said they hoped it would pressure Cornell's trustees to address longstanding institutional failures they identified. Board of Trustees Chair Anne Smalling said in a statement the faculty vote reflects the deep anger across our campus and sent a clear signal that what happened to the woman was unacceptable, but added that Kotlikoff and his administration were the right leaders to thoughtfully and comprehensively address the issue. Thomas Giuffra, an attorney for the woman who filed the lawsuit, said in a statement Friday that we are hopeful that this will be yet another step forward to educate and support the Cornell community by addressing the longstanding scourge of sexual assault on campus. Lawsuit sparked outrage on campus The Cornell community has been distressed since mid-September, when a former student, identified only by the pseudonym Jane Doe in court documents, filed a lawsuit against the university and seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity, saying she was given ketamine and raped at a fraternity house in October 2024. All of the men have denied her allegations, saying the sex was consensual or that they werent involved. The local district attorney initially decided the woman had consented to the encounter and that no crime had been committed, but the investigation has since been reopened and handed to New Yorks attorney general. Cornell disciplined several of the accused students following a monthslong Title IX investigation. Two were expelled, two received suspensions and probation, and two were required to write reflection papers and complete bystander training. A seventh man had already graduated and was barred from campus, according to records obtained by The New York Times. Kotlikoff also convened a task force to study the problem of sexual misconduct on campus, which released certain recommendations. Some faculty members have criticized Kotlikoff for not acting more forcefully to strengthen the school's disciplinary process, push for criminal investigations and change campus party culture. Paul Ortiz, a labor history professor who co-sponsored the no-confidence resolution, said last week that hundreds of students, staff, alumni and faculty approached the resolutions sponsors to emphasize that the Jane Doe case is but a tip of the iceberg and that a veritable fortress of silence has been breached around sexual violence since the resolutions introduction. Cornell's president defended his leadership Speaking to Faculty Senate members on the first day that they debated the no-confidence resolution , Kotlikoff pledged to make the university a leader in addressing sexual assault and asked for more time to make changes. Kotlikoff defended his leadership , arguing that replacing him would do little to solve complex problems and could damage Cornells reputation. He acknowledged he had not read the campus police report, explaining that university policy barred top administrators from interfering in criminal investigations. He also rejected suggestions he had been indifferent to the womans case, though he acknowledged only recently learning she had left Cornell. Kotlikoff said the university needed to determine whether fraternities could operate safely and left open the possibility of sweeping restrictions on Greek life. He argued that decisions should be based on research and evidence rather than emotion. Some professors had said faculty should wait to vote until the release of an independent investigation by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, whom the university hired to examine both how Cornell responded to the woman's initial rape report in 2024 and its overall procedures for handling similar reports from other students. The no-confidence resolution did not call for Kotlikoff's resignation. This article originally appeared on Associated Press at https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/cornell-faculty-vote-no-confidence-204357903.html
Zelensky Warns Of New Russian Strikes, Urges Allies For Patriot Missiles
Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine faces another difficult winter amid continued Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure despite renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Louisiana woman's lawsuit over uncle's sale of 300-acre inheritance revived
A Louisiana woman accused her uncle of transferring interests in nearly 300 acres of her late mother's estate to himself and businesses linked to him. More than 23 years after her mother's death, an appeals court revived her claims concerning his handling of the estate but upheld the dismissal of other claims. It also cancelled a $10,000 damages award and ordered further proceedings.
280 Ice Age engravings found in Spanish cave overlooked for 60 years
A remarkable archaeological find at Cova de la Font Major has revealed 280 Palaeolithic engravings, showcasing diverse motifs of animals and geometric shapes. This challenges the previously held notion that cave art was scarce in northeastern Iberia, where only two pieces were known. These engravings suggest the existence of unique artistic traditions independent of the famous Franco-Cantabrian region, offering new insights into the cultural practices of Ice Age Europe.
Black grouse chicks hatch in North York Moors after nearly 200-year absence
In a remarkable conservation achievement, black grouse have successfully hatched chicks in North York Moors after a long absence of 200 years. In 2024, 20 black grouse were moved from North Pennines as part of a dedicated effort that includes habitat restoration and management of predators. Reports indicate a notable rise in the number of displaying males, with plans for further translocations underway to bolster their population even more.
Mad Men star John Slattery joins campaign to protect the world's oceans
Marco Rubio To Attend Paris G7 Talks Next Week After US Midterms Setback
This marks Rubio's first trip abroad since the Republican Party's sweeping losses in US midterm elections, dealing a sharp blow to President Donald Trump as Democrats won full control of Congress.
North Carolina student wins top award for free tool mapping wildlife roadkill hotspots
Stephen King's Maine mansion becomes a literary archive, with $2,500 writers' retreats next door
Social Security taxes will take a bigger bite out of some high earners' paychecks in 2027. The taxable income limit is rising to $192,300 from $184,500, meaning another $7,800 of wages will be taxed. Workers earning above the new limit could pay up to $483.60 more next year. The increase comes as retirees are set to receive a 3.6% benefit boost.
Actor Johnny Depp has owned several expensive properties across the world, and his real estate investments have often drawn attention from people interested in his life. Over the years, the superstar has bought homes in different locations globally. The list includes luxury homes in Hollywood, estates in Europe and a private island in the Caribbean.
Nicki Minaj narrowly avoided a forced sale of her $20 million Hidden Hills mansion after paying a $503,318 court judgment on January 22, 2026. The payment came just before a judge was expected to decide whether the California property could be auctioned to recover the money owed to a former security guard.
Harry and five others seek to challenge Mail publisher privacy ruling
The Duke of Sussex and other public figures lost a High Court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.
Pope Leo Says In Fairly Good Shape After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV said Friday he was in fairly good shape after lung cancer surgery last month as he began a 12-day tour of South America with a visit to Uruguay.
Macklemore says that nine US arenas turned down his Free Palestine tour
Sen. Chris Murphy is released from hospital after hemorrhagic stroke
Washington Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut was released from the hospital Friday after experiencing a stroke nearly a week ago, but will miss several weeks of votes as he continues his recovery at a rehabilitation center. I want to be direct with you, so here is my diagnosis, Murphy said in a statement. Last Saturday afternoon, I felt something was not right with my body and called 9-1-1 out of an abundance of caution, and I'm glad I did. Murphy, who is 53, said he was diagnosed with a small bleed in the thalamus region of his brain. The thalamus sits above the brainstem and relays sensory information between the spinal cord and the brain, according to the Cleveland Clinic . Dr. Jose Suarez, the chief of neurosciences critical care at Johns Hopkins, where Murphy was hospitalized, said the senator experienced a small hemorrhagic stroke. He has shown tremendous progress, and at the current rate of improvement, we expect that he will make a full recovery following rehabilitation, Suarez said in a statement released by Murphy's office. Murphy said he is taking his recovery seriously and will be spending several weeks at a rehabilitation center in order to get back to work on the quickest timeline possible. This has been a scary experience for me and my family, and I appreciate the continued respect for our privacy, Murphy said. As I'm working towards a full recovery, I am staying engaged with my team and colleagues remotely, and my staff continues to carry out our legislative priorities, serve constituents, and ensure the work of my office continues uninterrupted. Murphy's office announced Sunday that he had numbness in his arm while at his son's hockey game and was taken to a local hospital, where it was discovered that he had a stroke. He was then transferred to Johns Hopkins. The senator has been viewed as a possible contender for the White House in 2028. This article originally appeared on CBS News at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chris-murphy-stroke-hospital-miss-votes/
Trump replaces Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as chief of staff after GOPs midterm defeat
On his social media site, Donald Trump praised Susie Wiles and said shed continue working for his political organisation
Trump Participates In Diwali Celebration At White House
India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra was among those present at the Oval Office for the celebration. The tradition of having a Diwali celebration was started by President George W Bush in 2003.
Houston to limit police cooperation with federal immigration authorities
Trump replaces White House chief of staff days after Republicans suffer midterm defeats
Miller, considered the architect of Trump's hard-line immigration policy, will move into the role on Monday.
Elections matter!: Houston Mayor moves to curb ICE cooperation after Democrats Texas win
Russell Brand suspected to have attacked at least 10 other women
Injury crises and Borthwick under scrutiny: it
Trump sacks Susie Wiles after midterm rout, picks Stephen Miller as chief of staff
Trump sacks Susie Wiles after midterm rout, picks Stephen Miller as chief of staff
Sailor killed in Gulf as Iran says tankers on fire
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Velos Sapphire was sailing to Bahrain empty of cargo when the attack happened on November 5, Velos Tankers said in a statement
Want to have a better chat? Scientists say the secret is
ECB forecasting losses of up to
Prince Harry and others launch appeal after losing Daily Mail phone-hacking claim
Ex-US Senator Jay Rockefeller, Last Member Of His Political Dynasty, Dies At 89
Rockefeller died Thursday night at his home in Washington, said Mary Stewart, vice president for external affairs at WETA, the public broadcasting station where Rockefeller's wife, Sharon, serves as president and CEO.
They Spent Millions to Keep Their Dream Cruise Afloat. It Died Anyway.
Secrecy, debt and soaring fuel costs all contributed to the Odyssey
Activists break into building site of Microsoft datacentre in Amsterdam
'I thought he'd come back': Portugal coach Jesus on Ronaldo retirement
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said on Friday he had expected Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team despite their highly publicised rift, but respected the veteran forward's decision to retire from international football.
What went wrong with Tesla Cybertruck? Elon Musk says production will wind down in mid-2027
Tesla Cybertruck production: Tesla plans to wind down Cybertruck production at its Texas factory around mid-2027 as Elon Musk shifts manufacturing capacity towards the Cybercab. The decision follows years of production delays, repeated recalls, steep price increases and sales that fell short of the company's original ambitions.
2 DOJ officials resign, including attorney who oversaw 'grand conspiracy' probe
WASHINGTON (AP) The top federal prosecutor in Miami who had been tasked with overseeing an investigation into foes of President Donald Trump has resigned, joining other high-profile Justice Department officials departing in the wake of the midterm elections, officials said Friday. Jason Reding Quiones' resignation follows frustrations among Washington officials with his management of the office assigned to lead the so-called grand conspiracy investigation, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues. The Justice Department's top national security official, John Eisenberg, also resigned on Friday, Attorney General Todd Blanche said. On Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who led a radical overhaul of the department's Civil Rights Division , also announced her departure. Quiones was confirmed by the Senate last year as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, where the Justice Department had centered its meandering probe into whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired against the Republican president. His departure comes as the investigation has shown signs of faltering amid a spate of staff turnovers and delays. Investigators in recent weeks have put off scheduled grand jury testimony of several witnesses, according to multiple people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. Blanche said in a social media post that the department is grateful for Quiones' leadership in combating violent crime, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and transnational crime, including the indictment of Ral Castro. Castro, the former Cuban president, was indicted by Quiones' office in May on charges related to the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles. Quiones said Friday that he is leaving with immense pride in what we accomplished together and profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve our great Nation. I am grateful to President Trump for his trust and to the extraordinary men and women of the great Southern District of Florida for their dedication, friendship, and unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law, Quiones wrote in a social media post. The grand conspiracy investigation has proceeded in fits and starts for over a year with repeated setbacks and departures. Last April, a lead national security prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan was replaced on the team after raising questions about the strength of the case. Shortly afterward, Joseph diGenova, a former U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, took over the probe. DiGenova resigned from the Justice Department in September without bringing any criminal charges. Eisenberg was sworn in as assistant attorney general in charge of the department's National Security Division in June 2025 and oversaw cases involving espionage, terrorism, export control violations, cyber crimes and other matters. Among the division's most high-profile cases under his watch was the prosecution of former national security adviser John Bolton, who pleaded guilty this year to allegations of mishandling classified information and is awaiting sentencing. He has served with distinction, strengthening our nation's ability to address threats, both foreign and domestic, Blanche said in a statement. This article originally appeared on Associated Press at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/2-justice-department-officials-resign-184505114.html
Trump says Israel, entire Middle East would not exist if he did not stop Iran from having nuclear weapon
US President Donald Trump referred to El-Sayed as a jihadist, evoked the September 11 attacks and deliberately misstated the candidate's name.
Meghan Markle's Father Arrested In US Over Child Sex Abuse Images
Markle, 82, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and is to make an initial court appearance in Tampa on Friday, US Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.
The week around the world in 20 pictures
Cerebral lock-picker Hasan keeps it simple
Five five-fors, five countries, one nuanced reader of minds.
Cathie Wood is buying AI stocks while Wall Street is selling them. ARK Invest purchased nearly $49 million in SpaceX and $46 million in Nvidia after Thursdays tech sell-off wiped out more than $3 trillion in US market value. But it sold $119.7 million in Broadcom and $20 million in CoreWeave. The contrasting trades raise questions about Woods AI strategy.
Player-coach rift report will only galvanise England - George
England hooker Jamie George says the squad are eally upset by a newspaper article claiming the end of their summer tour was marked by player unrest over Steve Borthwick's leadership.
Everton v Coventry City: Premier League
Adelaide man ordered to pay A$120,000 over illegal backyard cheese factory
US mother transfers property to son in 2003; court cancels deed after he refuses to return it
London councillors reject Berkeley Homes plan after affordable housing offer falls from 40% to 12%
7-year-old sells lemonade for school shoes; officer returns with Adidas surprise
John Wick star Keanu Reeves offered a 15-minute Zoom date for charity
Trump's grand arch project hits legal roadblock
A major point of contention is the proposed location of the 250-foot (76-metre) structure, next to Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of hundreds of thousands of American service members. The giant arch would be considerably taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which inspired the design.
How the US Navy attempted to deliver 3,000 letters by missile
Europe's bomb threat wave moves from airports to newsrooms. Who is behind it?
Europe's bomb threat wave moves from airports to newsrooms. Who is behind it?
Court upholds sale of divorced Arkansas woman's property share after her bankruptcy filing.
Tesla To 'Wind Down' Cybertruck Production Next Year: Musk
Tesla will stop building the truck at its Texas factory around the middle of 2027 to free up space for its Cybercab robotaxi, Musk said.
Trump holds call with mediator Qatar about Iran de-escalation
Qatar is acting as the chief mediator between Washington and Tehran amid intense diplomatic efforts to end the war, which is now in its ninth month. Qatari officials have been shuttling between Doha and the Iranian capital to firm up a potential deal ahead of Tuesday's US midterm elections, in which the Democrats secured a sweeping victory over Trump's Republican Party and took control of Congress.
Russell Brand barrister reports himself to watchdog over confrontation with journalist
US prosecutor who led Trump-backed election probe exits Justice Department
Jason Reding Quinones' resignation comes as administration braces for Democrat-led investigations. US prosecutor who led Trump-backed election probe exits Justice Department
US city votes to divest from Israel
Voters in Providence, Rhode Island called for for the city to stop its investments that support genocide. US city votes to divest from Israel
How Paraguays Ueno collapse is only its latest banking crisis
President Santiago Pena is under fire over links to parent company of collapsed bank. How Paraguays Ueno collapse is only its latest banking crisis
Valencia vs Real Madrid: La Liga preview, team news, predictions
A win at struggling Valencia would provisionally take Madrid level on points with league leaders Barcelona. Valencia vs Real Madrid: La Liga preview, team news, predictions
Tripura: Pradyot Debbarma signals land notification, expects Centre to resume Tiprasa Accord talks
Reported by: Mrinal Banik Agartala: Implementation of the land-related provisions of the Tiprasa Accord could move forward within days, with Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma indicating that a government notification on the issue may be issued shortly and that the Centre is preparing to resume consultations with the party in New Delhi. Debbarma, who [] The post Tripura: Pradyot Debbarma signals land notification, expects Centre to resume Tiprasa Accord talks appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Anthropic IPO: Anthropic's planned November IPO is facing uncertainty as Wall Street's technology sell-off and slower corporate AI spending raise questions about its $1.5 trillion valuation. Some investors are now discussing a figure closer to $1 trillion, leaving the Claude maker with a difficult decision about whether to proceed or wait for markets to stabilize.
The Guardian view on the AI backlash: American voters want a say in their future | Editorial
The Guardian view on Russell Brand: his conviction sends a powerful message | Editorial
Martin Rowson on the aftermath of the US midterm elections
Spain's rail authorities face European fraud probe after Urda rail disaster
Prosecutors begin investigating EU funds meant for upgrading the Spanish railway line where a train crash killed 69 people.
Not Muslim identity, but cost of living: Mehdi Hasan on Abdul El-Sayed's victory
Not Muslim identity, but cost of living: Mehdi Hasan on Abdul El-Sayed's victory
Netflix has unveiled plans for a live action prequel series titled Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, which will delve into various characters and supernatural tales set in the 1950s. Spearheaded by co-creator Kate Trefry and director Joe Wright, this project seeks to broaden the beloved Stranger Things universe. With production slated for New Mexico, fans can anticipate its premiere in 2028 while enjoying older seasons.
Houston mayor says 'elections matter' as he moves to curb city's cooperation with ICE
HOUSTON (AP) The mayor of Houston on Friday said the city would limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, heralding a new model of immigration enforcement after Democrats won power in Texas for the first time in decades. Mayor John Whitmire said the city would go after immigrants that pose a danger, not those that are going about their family business, work and education. A traffic incident will not even ... you write a citation or you warn them and they go about their way. No contact with (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) over nonviolent, non-jailable offenses. It reduces the fear and anxiety. The move by the nations fourth-largest city is one of the first steps to curb ICEs powers since Tuesdays election. Under the mayor's new directive, Houston police should contact ICE only if the person it stops is arrested on a charge that is subject to jailing or if ICE issues an administrative warrant, which is an order signed by a senior ICE official indicating that the person is wanted by immigration officials. The fact that a person is, or is suspected to be, subject to immigration enforcement shall not, by itself, be a basis to contact ICE, to prolong any detention, or to take any person into or hold any person in custody, the two-page order states. The Trump administrations immigration crackdown in Houston has sparked protests after an ICE officer fatally shot a Mexican homebuilder this summer and another struck a man with a car . Spokespersons for ICE did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the mayors announcement. A grand jury last week indicted ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors say Morales intentionally rammed his car into Miguel Parra Hernandez, whose leg was broken. ICE has asserted that Parra Hernandez ran in front of the vehicle, an account that prosecutors say is contradicted by video. Despite a one-time $75 billion infusion from Congress, ICE remains heavily dependent on local police to find people subject to deportation and turn them over. It has done so partly by signing about 2,600 agreements many in Texas to deputize local police and other state and local agencies to enforce immigration laws. Texas has been a primary target for ICE arrests. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has closely aligned the state with the Trump administration to collaborate on enforcing federal immigration laws. He lost his bid for a fourth term to Democrat Gina Hinojosa. FIEL, an immigrant rights group in Houston that has been working with the family of Parra Hernandez, planned to hold a press conference Friday afternoon in light of the announcement. Today Houston won. The City of Houston city council had already decided this months ago, said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, adding that it was time to follow through. - Wilder reported from Austin, Texas; Spagat reported from San Diego. This article originally appeared on Associated Press at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/houston-mayor-signs-order-limit-173450824.html
Frank Lloyd Wrights Cedar Lake home returns to the market
Fake GoFundMe raises $5,000 after teen dies in Florida crash
The appliance has separate storage for flour and water, along with a glass container for the sourdough starter. Users load flour and water into their respective compartments and keep their starter in the glass crock. The measured quantities of flour and water are automatically dispensed by the machine. The ingredients are mixed into the starter according to the selected feeding schedule.
US national found dead in hotel room in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A 41-year-old US national was found dead in a hotel room here, police said on Friday, November 6. The deceased was identified as Mitchell Brian Lee, a resident of California. Police said he reportedly arrived in the city on November 2 with his business partner David for a business trip. Both were staying at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Polar vortex could bring an early blast of winter to the eastern U.S.
The polar vortex is weakening unusually early, forecasters have said, with a rare disruption possible within days that could send Arctic air traveling south over North America. The polar vortex is a band of powerful winds in the stratosphere that circle the North Pole each winter. It keeps the coldest air locked high in the atmosphere until it is disrupted. Once the vortex weakens, pockets of that air can be pushed south, which can bring frostier temperatures to parts of the U.S. In its updated November outlook, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center said a disruption of the polar vortex could occur within days, possibly developing into a sudden stratospheric warming, which it called very rare for November. It warned that if this happens, its effects could last up to two months. The polar vortex made its mark this January, when a lobe of Arctic air pushed south, bringing a deep freeze to the eastern U.S. and Canada. Parts of northern Minnesota fell to -43F on Jan. 24, according to state climate data , with states like Indiana also experiencing record lows as Greenland's west coast recorded its warmest January on record . NOAA said any effects in the eastern U.S. could compete with the influence of El Nio, which is still steering its outlook toward a milder November for much of the country. Here's what we know so far and what that could mean for your weather. What does it mean for the weather? While strong sudden stratospheric warmings can disrupt the vortex and start the chain of events that sends the blasts of cold air down to North America, the jury is still out on whether the latest disruption will do this. This NOAA graphic shows what happens when the polar vortex weakens. NOAA At NOAA's winter outlook briefing on Oct. 15, Jon Gottschalck, a branch chief at the Climate Prediction Center, said the combination of a strong El Nio and a westerly wind pattern high in the tropical atmosphere typically favors a stronger, more stable polar vortex, and in turn, fewer Arctic air outbreaks. He added that cold outbreaks should still be expected at times, but with more warmer-than-normal days overall. If it takes hold, NOAA said the eastern U.S. is where effects could be felt, but El Nio's influence could compete against that. The climate phenomenon, which is currently in full swing and is expected to stay strong through at least late winter, warms the Pacific Ocean and generally brings milder weather to the U.S. There is a high chance it will become the strongest since records began in 1950. NOAA said that as the polar vortex approaches, it's worth getting prepared. There is no cause to be alarmed when you hear about the polar vortex, but you should be prepared for colder temperatures, its guidance said. Check the forecast for your area on weather.gov to ensure you are dressed appropriately. It is also a good idea to check the items in your home and car emergency kits at the beginning of each winter season to ensure you are prepared for any type of hazardous winter weather, the agency added. Why is the polar vortex weakening so early? The polar vortex normally strengthens through the fall as the Arctic cools, creating a whirlpool of air above the North Pole, which is why a breakdown in November would be so unusual. The vortex weakens in summer and strengthens in winter, with the winds forming miles above the North Pole. It holds its position in the Arctic until around December or January. It can be disrupted when big swells of air from lower in the atmosphere bump into it from below, making it wobble and slow down. The big disruptions, known as a sudden stratospheric warming, usually occur in deep winter, and can stretch or split the vortex, displacing the cold air and sending it further south. If a major warming occurs within the coming days, it could be one of the earliest disruptions on record, experts told the Scientific American . The earliest polar vortex weakening previously recorded was Nov. 28, 1968. As a weather fan, this is a big event because it's so unprecedented, Judah Cohen, a climatologist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology told the publication. This article originally appeared on Yahoo News at https://www.yahoo.com/news/weather-news/article/the-polar-vortex-is-weakening-unusually-early-heres-what-that-could-mean-for-the-weather-172644197.html
