Scientists have developed a new statistical model that predicts winter weather up to six months in advance by forecasting the behavior of the stratospheric polar vortex. [ https://www.labroots.com/trending/earth-and-the-environment/…g-method-2](https://www.labroots.com/trending/earth-and-the-environment/…g-method-2)

Can weather forecasts speed up predictions to help better prepare for inclement weather? This is what a recent study published in Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres hopes to address as an international team of scientists from Florida State University and China investigated a new method for providing better predictions of winter weather forecasts. This study has the potential to help sci better understand winter weather patterns and provide more in-depth and accurate predictions, enabling communities to better prepare for worst case scenarios.

This study is a secondary study in a series for this team, who published a first study also in the Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres focusing on the yearly weather patterns of the Northern Hemisphere stratospheric polar vortex (SPV). For this study, the researchers focused on developing a new method for predicting SPV weather patterns months in advance of the winter season.

Using a series of statistical models involving historical atmospheric data, the researchers ascertained to produce a statistical model capable of predicting winter weather patterns months in advance. In the end, the models demonstrated that forecasts could be made up to six months in advance.