Late-March Arctic Blasts Headed For North America And Europe; "Wonderful Snowfall" Hits Southern Spain; Another Meter Pounds Newfoundland; + Antarctic Sea Ice Recovery
Extent is back within 2 standard deviations. Crisis averted scarers.
Late-March Arctic Blasts Headed For North America And Europe
Colder air is readying the flood in the CONUS starting next week.
A pattern change over St. Patrick's Day weekend is threatening to drop an Arctic Blast into the United States during the first week of spring.
As per the latest models, the jet stream is expected to take a sharp southward plunge and crash polar cold down through Canada as far south as Texas.
The GFS run below is a long ways out—so take it with a pinch salt—but it's a concerning setup, particularly given the time of year. Such a fierce Arctic Outbreak would wreak havoc across America's growing regions into April.
The snow also looks set to make a late-season return, and blanket much of continent from Alaska to Arizona:
Turning attention to Europe, the UK press has been working itself into something of a frenzy of late, reporting that a "once-in-250-year SSW event" is about to blast the nation with record cold and snow, likely making March the coldest month of winter.
The Met Office is saying, as reported by dailyrecord.co.uk, that this extended winter period (November through March) will see three Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events, a "one-in-250-year chance".
James Madden of Exacta Weather says the looming SSW could have "widespread snow" witnessed in "all parts of the country".
"This particular sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is going for it this time around in terms of obliterating the polar vortex," continued Madden. "Almost every output and scenario reviewed for afterwards places us in a strong blocking pattern over some sustained periods in March/early April," he added.
Madden has a habit of providing the UK tabloids the exciting headlines they crave. But maybe this time he's onto something. We've been tracking this developing SSW event for some weeks now — it does indeed look very strong and long-lasting.
Europe's late-season freeze won't be confined to the British Isles, of course, the majority of the continent will be hit. Heavy spring snow is expected for the likes of Iceland, Scandinavia, Scotland, the Alps, the Balkans, Turkey and Russia:
The 'year without a spring'?
"Wonderful Snowfall" Hits Southern Spain
Heavy snow has already been clipping much of Europe of late, including southern Spain.
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