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Aleutian Low Example
(The Low Pressure system in Alaska is the Aleutian Low) |
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12z ECMWF Hour 240 |
In the top image, you can see the strong low pressure system located just around Alaska. This is called the Aleutian Low. This low pressure system is semi-permanent, meaning it can stay in that area for long periods of time and comes back frequently. When this happens, a consequence is that a ridge (high pressure system) forms in the West US, usually leading to some warmer air over the country. However, if this Aleutian Low breaks and dissipates, a high pressure can form over Alaska and lead to a low pressure forming over the West US, which can lead into colder weather for the country.
Are we saying this will happen? No. Are we saying it could be an indicator that the weather pattern may be changing soon? Possibly. We will have to wait and see at this point.