The stratospheric polar vortex is expected to exhibit weakening in the near future.
The above image, from the Garfinkel / Hartmann publication, 'Tropospheric Precursors of Anomalous Northern Hemisphere Stratospheric Polar Vortices', shows precursors in the tropospheric mid-levels to weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex. In layman's terms, the images above (particularly the left panel) give us a glimpse at what the weather pattern should look like a short period of time before the stratospheric polar vortex weakens.
In that left panel, showing geopotential height anomalies at the 500-millibar level, we see strong negative anomalies (troughs / storm systems) in the Bering Sea extending into the Arctic Circle, even a bit into Greenland, and positive anomalies (ridges / high pressure) over Canada, as well as in the north-central Pacific. We also see ridging over Europe. These are indicators that the stratospheric polar vortex could be weakening down the road.
Let's compare these indicators to the long-range forecast from the GFS Ensembles.
Attached is the 500-millibar height anomaly prognostication for the 11-15 day forecast period (Dec. 30 to Jan. 4). Here, we see negative anomalies across the Bering Sea into Siberia, all the way across the Arctic Circle into Greenland. We also see weak ridging in Canada and the East US, and ridging in the north-central Pacific. Most notable is a strong ridge over Europe.
If you compare this forecast graphic and that left panel earlier in this post, you'll find that they're incredibly similar, almost identical. In sum, long range model guidance is telling us that we should see the stratospheric polar vortex weaken in January. This is good news for snow and cold fans who have been suffering through this first month of 'winter' (more like an extended fall with these warm temperatures)- even though a weakened polar vortex does not necessarily mean cold and snow, it does raise the chances of more cold air intrusions and snow events for North America.
To summarize:
- Long range model guidance is indicating the stratospheric polar vortex will weaken in January.
- Consequentially, the chances of cold and snow may be on the rise for next month.
Andrew
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| Garfinkel/Hartmann Publication (Image obtained from Eric Webb) |
In that left panel, showing geopotential height anomalies at the 500-millibar level, we see strong negative anomalies (troughs / storm systems) in the Bering Sea extending into the Arctic Circle, even a bit into Greenland, and positive anomalies (ridges / high pressure) over Canada, as well as in the north-central Pacific. We also see ridging over Europe. These are indicators that the stratospheric polar vortex could be weakening down the road.
Let's compare these indicators to the long-range forecast from the GFS Ensembles.
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| Tropical Tidbits |
If you compare this forecast graphic and that left panel earlier in this post, you'll find that they're incredibly similar, almost identical. In sum, long range model guidance is telling us that we should see the stratospheric polar vortex weaken in January. This is good news for snow and cold fans who have been suffering through this first month of 'winter' (more like an extended fall with these warm temperatures)- even though a weakened polar vortex does not necessarily mean cold and snow, it does raise the chances of more cold air intrusions and snow events for North America.
To summarize:
- Long range model guidance is indicating the stratospheric polar vortex will weaken in January.
- Consequentially, the chances of cold and snow may be on the rise for next month.
Andrew
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