Perfect conditions for the Holiday Weekend

Unlike last year when a blizzard was set to target central New Jersey with heavy snow, strong winds, and near zero visibility; this year’s Christmas and Hanukah will feature fair more tranquil weather conditions.

The weather pattern this year is different due to polar opposite conditions in the stratosphere.  Last year, the stratosphere was warm which forced the Polar Vortex (a large upper low over Canada) to drop down towards the eastern Great Lakes.   The more southward position of the Polar Vortex allowed cold air to invade the United States and supported a storm track that would produce snowfall for central New Jersey.  However, this year the stratosphere is very cold which leads to the Polar Vortex to remain in northern Canada.  With the Polar Vortex trapped in northern Canada, the cold air remains in Canada as well.  As a result the storm track shifts to the northwest of New Jersey which typically leads to warm conditions and rain storms instead of snow storm.

This year the pattern for this weekend will set up perfectly with high pressure in place.  Tranquil weather conditions can be expected with seasonable temperatures ranging from the lower 30’s for lows and mid 40’s for highs.  

Changes are on the way though as the stratosphere over North America, especially Canada, is rapidly warming.  The rapid warming of the stratosphere will eventually lead to the Polar Vortex dropping south and cold air on the way.