The impact of polar lows on the underlying ocean varies significantly by location

Abstract Polar Lows are intense weather systems that drive strong exchanges of momentum, heat, and moisture between the atmosphere and ocean, potentially affecting ocean conditions. However, their small scale and short duration make them poorly represented in climate numerical models. Here, we use sensitivity experiments to assess the impacts of Polar Lows on the global ocean. Their effects vary regionally, depending on both Polar Low frequency and ocean structure. In the Northeast Atlantic, wind associated with Polar Lows enhances oceanic heat loss and vertical mixing, while precipitation has a minor opposing effect. In the Labrador and Irminger Seas, both wind and precipitation contribute similarly to horizontal heat transport, and their opposing effects largely cancel, reducing the net impact. In the Southern Hemisphere, despite frequent Polar Lows, strong background winds minimize their influence. These findings highlight regional variability in Polar Low impacts and offer insights for improving their representation in climate models.