polar-vortex_gph-anomalies_20240404.png

Differences from average atmospheric thickness (standardized geopotential height anomalies) in the column of air over the Arctic from the troposphere to the stratosphere since mid-December 2023. Major sudden warmings occurred on January 16th and March 4th. The second event in particular led to long-lasting higher-than-average thickness throughout the stratosphere. A few "drips" have increased the atmospheric thickness in the troposphere, but have generally been short-lived. NOAA Climate.gov image, adapted from original by Laura Ciasto.