Comparing The 2012 Pattern To 2006

[bluewave]

So far 2012 is showing similarities to the 2006 pattern. January was the fourth warmest in the US behind

2006 which was number one.

The blocking this year was stronger than 2006 near the Barents and Kara Sea region.

This ties in with the decline of sea ice there which also lead to record Eurasian cold

this winter like 2006.

http://www.agu.org/p...9JD013568.shtml

Both this March and March 2006 experienced a major tornado outbreak.

http://www.weather.c...orts_2012-03-02

If the final number of tornadoes exceeds 74 as it does right now, this outbreak would be the largest on record for the month of March. The current largest March outbreak had 74 tornadoes on March 11-13, 2006.

http://en.wikipedia....tbreak_sequence

This year we are beginning to see dry conditions develop into the Upper Midwest region

somewhat like 2006 at this time.

2006 late February

If the similarity holds going into the spring and summer, we would see the dry conditions expand

like they did in 2006.

Summer 2006

We would also see temperatures run above normal from the spring right through the summer for

much of the US.

If we would see an expansion of the dry conditions going forward, that would help enhance

any heat which could build in those areas like we saw back in 2006.

http://en.wikipedia....rican_heat_wave

[icebreaker5221]

06 seems to be a strong ENSO analogue as well. Let's just hope it's a better tropical season than 06!