Thanks for the question! From what I understand the release of freshwater from the Beaufort Gyre (BG) can be impacted by the Arctic Oscillation (AO) which is characterized by pressure changes over the Arctic and the mid-latitudes (https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-var…). We haven't discussed it yet, but when the polar vortex is disrupted, its downward impacts can manifest as a negative AO, which could impact the BG freshwater release.

That said, while the AO has been negative at times over the last month, it does not seem like it's strongly related to the recent major sudden stratospheric warming.