A weakened polar vortex raises the likelihood of Arctic air moving south, which could lead to colder temperatures in some areas. However, the effects are not uniform and may take weeks to materialize. In New England, for example, the interaction between a weakened vortex and a strong El Niño could result in a mix of weather patterns, including warmer-than-average conditions. Past events have sometimes led to heavy snowfall, but this is not guaranteed. The uncertainty underscores the need for close monitoring of atmospheric developments.