Image caption
Observed and forecasted (NOAA GEFSv12) polar vortex wind speeds at 60°N (bold blue line) compared to the natural range of variability (faint blue shading). Since mid-November, these stratospheric winds have been stronger than normal (thin blue line). However, that’s about to change as the latest forecasts (issued March 3, 2025) indicate the winds at 60°N are going to dramatically decrease over the next few days (bold purple line), indicating a polar vortex disruption. The big question is whether these winds will rebound toward their normal strength before the end of the season. NOAA Climate.gov image, adapted from original by Laura Ciasto.