Sharp thermal contrast across the Pacific Ocean was characteristic of the global SSTA analysis for October 2021. Featured is developing La Nina and a lengthy cool phase of the Pacific decadal oscillation which is intensifying. Meanwhile "warm blobs" of SSTA common the past 10 years are prevailing near the Dateline in both hemispheres across the Pacific!

Upper ocean heat in the eastern equatorial Pacific plunges to the lowest level since September 2010. Indicated is plenty of fuel to allow La Nina to intensify which it will likely to peak in December.

-WPO/-EPO climate signals regained recognition during the 2013-14/2014-15 “polar vortex” winter seasons in North America and again on single events such as last February’s ERCOT freeze. This time around, -WPO and -EPO (-EPO climatology shown) reach moderate intensity (-1.0 to -1.5) which typically produces a chilly pattern during autumn over west-central/central North America.

Right now, snow cover is coming on strong and is above normal in aerial coverage across Northeast Eurasia. This zone is the most likely location to gather early season cold air masses including arctic air. Additionally, the widening snow cover and increased arctic air source region risk in this location implies China is a target for increased risk of unusual cold once we’re well into November and December which is a significant problem given their energy crisis.