October snow in Siberia could be a predictor of how cold and snowy the winter will be in the United States, according to Judah Cohen, a research scientist at Atmospheric and Environmental Research.
Cohen has developed a theory that links October snow cover in Siberia to the strength of the polar vortex, a large area of cold air that sits over the Arctic during the winter. When the polar vortex is strong, it keeps the cold air trapped in the Arctic. However, when the polar vortex is weak, it can allow cold air to escape into the United States and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
Cohen has found that when there is more snow cover in Siberia in October, the polar vortex is more likely to be weak during the winter. This is because the snow reflects sunlight back into space, which cools the air below it. This cold air then sinks into the lower atmosphere and strengthens the polar vortex.
Conversely, when there is less snow cover in Siberia in October, the polar vortex is more likely to be strong during the winter. This is because the dark ground absorbs sunlight, which warms the air below it. This warm air then rises into the upper atmosphere and weakens the polar vortex.
Cohen’s theory has been backed up by research, and he has been able to use it to predict the severity of winters in the United States with some accuracy. For example, in 2013, Cohen predicted that the United States would experience a cold and snowy winter, based on the high levels of snow cover in Siberia in October. His prediction turned out to be accurate, as the United States did experience a cold and snowy winter that year.
It is still too early to say how cold and snowy the winter of 2023-2024 will be in the United States. However, Cohen is monitoring the snow cover in Siberia, and he will be able to make a more accurate prediction in the coming weeks.
Here is a summary of the key points:
October snow cover in Siberia is a potential predictor of winter weather in the United States.
When there is more snow cover in Siberia in October, the polar vortex is more likely to be weak during the winter. This can lead to colder and snowier winters in the United States.
Conversely, when there is less snow cover in Siberia in October, the polar vortex is more likely to be strong during the winter. This can lead to warmer and less snowy winters in the United States.
Judah Cohen, a research scientist at Atmospheric and Environmental Research, has developed a theory that links October snow cover in Siberia to the strength of the polar vortex.
Cohen’s theory has been backed up by research, and he has been able to use it to predict the severity of winters in the United States with some accuracy.