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xchrom

(108,903 posts)
Sun Sep 16, 2012, 09:10 AM Sep 2012

Met Office model 'better at predicting extreme winters' {uk}

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19584302


The 2010/2011 winter saw the UK gripped by sub-zero temperatures for days


UK weather forecasters can predict cold winter weather a season ahead with more confidence, according to analysis of a new computer model.

Writing in Environmental Research Letters, scientists say the model is better at simulating phenomena known as sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs).

These happen when the usual westerly winds at 10-50km altitude break down, causing cold weather on the surface.
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Met Office model 'better at predicting extreme winters' {uk} (Original Post) xchrom Sep 2012 OP
Are these westerly winds something other than the jet stream? HereSince1628 Sep 2012 #1

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)
1. Are these westerly winds something other than the jet stream?
Sun Sep 16, 2012, 09:20 AM
Sep 2012

In several of the recent reports on expected harsh weather following the low ice arctic conditions the reports in British papers have talked about strong westerly winds and I've wondered if these were the jets or more general winds flowing eastward.


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