Zonal Jet Stream over North America

[dave]

John,

Over the last couple seasons ive noticed that the jet stream has remained very flat and hugging the northen latitudes not allowing panhandle hooks into the midwest, or cold air to set up over the midwest. Is that an accurate observation. If so why does it seem like an emerging pattern as of late?

 

[john]

Dave.

Unfortunately not enough is known about what makes the weather do what it does on a seasonal scale.

I guess the only thing I can add is that it never seems like the pattern stays the same for too long. Let's hope this winter is one that starts a new look to things, with a nice deep trough over the central US!

-John