Winter In Florida Has Been Crazy Different. Here’s How The Rest Of The Season Will Play Out

Winter in Florida has been anything but typical this year, with limited sunshine, frequent rain, and stormy days. This is due to the presence of El Niño, which has led to a more active subtropical jet stream and more clouds and rainy days. El Niño is expected to stick around for the remainder of winter, so these impacts will continue.

For example, a recent blast of Arctic air is a result of a weak jet stream, which is measured by the Arctic Oscillation, currently in its negative phase. In the coming days, beyond January 23, indications are that the polar jet stream will strengthen and send the frigid air back to Canada, while high pressure builds over the southwest Atlantic and Caribbean, pumping in warmer air. As a result, temperatures in Florida should return to normal and even swing back into the other direction, with above-average temperatures.

This pattern change is further supported by the phase of the Madden-Julien Oscillation, which is a disturbance of clouds, rainfall, and pressure that moves east around the globe near the equator. When the MJO enters phases [+]

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As the winter season continues, Florida residents and visitors alike have been experiencing a dramatic departure from the norm. Limited sunshine, frequent rain and stormy days, and colder-than-normal temperatures have been the order of the day. And according to experts, this trend is likely to continue for the remainder of the season.

The reason for this unusual weather pattern is the presence of El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon that affects global weather patterns. When El Niño is around, the subtropical jet stream is more active, leading to more clouds and rainy days. And as it turns out, El Niño is expected to stick around for the remainder of winter, so the impacts brought on by the phenomenon will continue to be felt.

One of the key indicators of El Niño's influence is the Arctic Oscillation, which is currently in its negative phase. This means that the polar jet stream is weaker, allowing frigid air from Canada to move southward. However, things are about to change. According to forecasters, the polar jet stream will strengthen in the coming days, sending the cold air back to Canada. At the same [+]

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So far, that has been exactly the case, with limited sunshine, frequent rain and stormy days and colder-than-normal temperatures.

Reference: Yes, winter in Florida has been crazy different. Here's how the rest of the season will play out