polar-vortex-thickness-anomalies_20240404.png

Differences from average atmospheric thickness (standardized geopotential height anomalies) in the column of air over the Arctic from the troposphere to the stratosphere since early February 2024. Major sudden warmings occurred on January 16th and March 4th. The second event in particular led to long-lasting higher-than-average thickness throughout the stratosphere. A few "drips" have increased the atmospheric thickness in the troposphere, but have generally been short-lived. NOAA Climate.gov image, adapted from original by Laura Ciasto.