GEFS_U10_60N_fcst_WK5_blog.png

Observed and forecasted (NOAA GEFSv12) wind speed in the polar vortex compared to the natural range of variability (faint shading). Based on the January 15, 2024 forecast, the stratospheric polar vortex winds will decrease to zero, just reaching the threshold of a major sudden stratospheric warming, in the next day or two. This major warming status will be brief and the winds are forecast to become westerly again, strengthening to their near normal state in the next week. The vortex may even become stronger than normal, based on the average of all individual forecasts, but that outcome is uncertain due to the large range of the individual forecasts. NOAA image by Laura Ciasto.