The intense cold snap about to settle over most of Canada and the U.S. has been dubbed a “polar vortex’, but Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips says it could just as easily be called “Arctic air or Siberian air.”

In the present instance, Siberia is where the cold air is originating, so Siberian air is his choice.

We will be momentarily seduced by a few warm-ish days before it descends, but this “bully of winter” will come in as “very thick air, settle in every nook and cranny and be tough to dislodge,” says Phillips.

Winter was cancelled in Canada last year, but there is a major cold snap coming that will extend almost all the way to Mexico{ai:summary}<p>A polar vortex is set to bring intense cold to much of Canada and the U.S., with Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips noting it could also be termed "Siberian air," as it originates from Siberia. This cold air will settle in and be difficult to dislodge after a brief warm spell. </p><p>#weather</p>

Siberian air is descending on Canada. Here's what to know about the 'polar vortex'

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