File name: polar-vortex_winds-temperature_graph-20240229.png
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Observed and forecasted (NOAA GEFSv12) wind speed (top) and temperature (bottom) in the polar vortex compared to the natural range of variability (faint shading). For the GEFSv12 forecast issued on February 28, a reversal of the winds1 at 60 degrees North (the mean location of the polar vortex) is forecast to occur around March 5 (top, thick magenta line), accompanied by an increase in stratospheric temperature (bottom, thick pink line). While the winds only barely fell below 0 m/s in January and hovered near 0 m/s in February, in March the winds at 60 degrees North2 are expected to stay reversed until almost April. NOAA Climate.gov image, adapted from original by Laura Ciasto.
- Revised on April 26, 2024. The sentence originally said, "...a reversal of the vortex winds is forecast to occur...".
- Revised on April 26, 2024. The sentence originally said, "...the winds are expected to stay reversed...".