Last month’s split in the Polar Vortex caused two distinct sections of the typically-persistent low-pressure zone to push south; one into western North America, and the other into northern Siberia. In North America, this resulted in a massive cold snap on the west coast, while the east experienced above-average temperatures.read more
Last updated on 06/21/2021 Atlantic Temperature Differentials: High Gulf Stream Flow: Low Polar Ice Melt Status: High Arctic Air Temperatures: High Greenland Ice Melt: Continuing Rapid Glacial Melt Violent Weather Probability: North America: Extreme South America: Moderate to High Europe: Dangerously Highread more
Two 6.1 earthquakes struck in the Pacific, one near the island of Vanuatu and the other off the coast of Japan uncomfortably near the damaged Fukushima power plant. At the same time, frantic rescue efforts have brought out a citizen army in Mexico city who are helping overstressed emergency services. Meanwhile, Hurricane Maria is causing a catastrophe on the island of Puerto Rico, where all electric power has failed and 155 MPH sustained winds are destroying infrastructure and gigantic flash floods are roaring down the mountainsides.
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Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica with 165MPH winds and was the first Category 5 hurricane ever to strike the island. It is now headed toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and is continuing to strengthen. A typical autumnal weather pattern over the continental United States is expected to keep it offshore of the mainland as it turns north. Should it hit pockets of warm water in the South Atlantic, it has the potential to recover its strength. There is a remote possibility that it could surprise forecasters and move into the Caribbean.
All storm track models now see Maria moving northward well out to sea, but if it impacts the remains of Jose, it could still be pushed onshore somewhere along the Atlantic seaboard.
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