strong to super Ninos have a pretty significant dearth of blocking in December. it is unusual to see a persistent -NAO this early
Ninos that do have -NAO Decembers carry it over through the rest of the winter more than not, though
also, the move through the 6-7 phases as well as the B-K Sea ridge will help disrupt the SPV further. this signal for a Scandi ridge can also retrograde into a -NAO
save winter? no, but it just builds the case for string blocking later in the year is all. the Pacific was supposed to be pretty uncooperative early on and should get better late month.
i’ve really only seen good things so far… the things that have been bad have also been sorta expected
the pattern on the GFS is actually pretty great: potent +PNA, deep S/W diving into the OH Valley, 50/50 ULL, and a west-based -NAO
the big caveat is that it's early, so 1) longer wavelengths, so it can't wrap up as easily, and 2) it's fighting climo
highly doubt. there will be spells, though. same as when we get temporary spells of 7 and 8 in a Nina. happened in Jan 2022 when we got that blizzard at the end of the month
the MJO is going around the horn. it'll take until mid-month to get back into 7-8-1, but all ENS and the CFS get it there. should open up a more favorable period around the third or fourth week of the month as many have been saying. this is likely a small detour... I don't see a reason why forcing would remain in that area, as ENSO becomes more of a factor and promotes subsidence over the MC
SPV weakening also does warm us up here, too