Positive PNA May Save Midwest Winter Yet

http://origin.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/people/wwang/cfsv2fcst/imagesInd3/glbz200SeaInd4.gif

The CFS v2 is showing a ridge of high pressure over the West Coast, seen by the arcing shape of the lines over the western part of the nation on this map of 200mb anomalies. Of additional interest is the depression of lines over the Southeast.

So, what does this all mean?

The ridge in the west and increased jet stream action in the southeast are characteristic of a positive PNA, which is made up of a high pressure system in the western part of the nation, as well as a storm track becoming enhanced over the Plains and Midwest into the East Coast. The graphic of a positive PNA can be seen below.

http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/edu/k12/PNA/body

A positive PNA was actually a key player in creating the Chicago Blizzard in 2011.

Of additional interest is that this potential positive PNA may team up with the incoming El Nino. The El Nino is shown on the first image as an enhanced area of 200mb anomalies over the Southeast. This enhancement is characteristic of the sub-tropical jet stream, which is enhanced in an El Nino and gives the Northeast strong Nor'easters.

All of that said, if this were to turn out, we could have a 'saved' winter for the Midwest and Ohio Valley thanks to the positive PNA. However, I cannot confirm that this is in fact a positive PNA. This is just what it appears as, and could very well change in the future.

That's enough winter posts for today.

Andrew