Thermal and dynamic perturbations at MLT heights during the strong stratospheric polar vortex as measured by the meteor radar at 67°N and the Aura satellite are presented. Mesospheric winds are dominated by vertical shears in the zonal component and the intense alternating north- and southward flows with a period of half a month. A temperature reduction at 90 km height is observed in the mid-winter and likely associated with a localized temperature increase in the upper stratosphere. Throughout January, a long-lived ~20K inversion layer persists just below the mesopause. These features are likely indicative of considerable stratification in the MLT as well as a decoupling of the middle and upper atmosphere.