The second image shows the forecasted 30mb stratospheric temperatures. What we see is a sharp increase in temperatures followed by an equally sharp drop in temperatures, going back to the place where we currently are. In other words, there won't be enough time or warming for any major changes to occur, at least from the 30mb standpoint. Both 10mb and 30mb temperature forecasts are shown in the third image. What I find interesting is the 4th image, which projects 10mb and 30mb temperatures at the 60N line, which is pretty much far north Canada and the Arctic Circle, into far north Europe and Russia. It is encouraging that these temperatures are warming, and this may provide a better view than the first images I described. If the cold in the 60N area dies off and turns into a warming situation, the cold air fighting to get out of the Arctic will be able to do at least a bit more damage than what it is currently doing.
These images are geopotential and temperature waves. Each one has its own effects on the stratosphere. In the 1st image, we have Waves 1 and 2 showing for temperatures. What is ideal in a stratospheric warming scenario would be to have both Waves 1 and 2 at warm temperatures. However, we are seeing both waves actually drop into colder temperatures. Those are the waves at the 10mb level. At the 30mb level, Wave 1 is forecasted to cool down while Wave 2 is supposedly going to warm up. This would be quite interesting, to see the waves going in different directions. I would very much like to see the effects of that. The 3rd image is geopotential heights at 30mb. Wave 1 has seen rising GPM (geopotential) values, which indicates ridge of high pressure that batters the polar vortex to encourage cold air south. However, this wave is now forecasted to dramatically drop down again, where we may see a reforming polar vortex.
MY THOUGHTS
-There will be snow. This is not a 'one and done' scenario if you live in the Great Lakes, where there is currently a snowstorm occurring. I believe that this is the storm we needed to get the cold air in to stay. For instance, because Chicago is in the middle of the snow, we came across temperature forecasts and found not a single day reaching into the 50s for the next week.
-The long range forecasts are looking very dismal, to be honest. If the Wave 1 GPM values suddenly dive as shown above, I would not be surprised to see the +AO/+NAO regime once again take the reins.
-Henry Margusity, an Accuweather Meteorologist I closely follow, looks to be too caught up in the pattern change. He is predicting a major flip to cold, but unless something dramatically changes, I am not seeing January becoming stone cold and freakishly snowy.
