When a persistent high pressure ridge forms over the west coast, the jet stream becomes so pronounced that it takes the form of the Greek letter omega, (Ω). The overall weather pattern comes to a standstill, and the storm track, driven by the jet stream, cannot penetrate the block. The result has been persistent warm and dry weather for most of the west coast. This is also the source of frigid temperatures and snow in Midwest and East. The top of the omega ridge extends into the arctic north. Cold air is then pulled with the jet stream as it dives south into the center of the country.
today's jet. See the (Ω)?
The Good News.
The long term Jet Stream models have it flattening and becoming more west to east during the next 30days. If this comes true, the overall pattern will return to “normal”. The current climate predictions reflect this trend.
NOAA, Climate Trend Prediction of the West Coast:
1 - 15
days = below normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.
30 -90
days = normal temperatures and normal precipitation.
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