Stratospheric warming?? What is it? The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere extending from ~6 miles to ~31 miles above the surface. The stratospheric polar vortex (we bet you’ve heard of the polar vortex!) resides in this area, and can significantly influence weather in the mid-latitudes.
Credit: NWS
When we see stratospheric warming, this typically will lead to stormier weather across the lower 48. I do see this occurring starting later next week and into the first part of December. This would align well with the LRC and what occurred in the first half of October with our stormy weather.
If you have any travel plans the week of Thanksgiving and the week after, please keep up to date on the forecast. Our first real taste of winter may be just around the corner.
