Which Stratospheric Sudden Warming Events are Most Predictable?

Abstract

The predictability of stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) events are considered in 10 subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) forecast models for 10 SSWs over the period 1999-2009. The 10 SSWs are divided into those with above-average predictability (in one case exceeding 20 days), below-average predictability, and average predictability. The four factors that most succinctly distinguish the composite with above average predictability are an active Madden-Julian Oscillation with enhanced convection in the West Pacific, the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation phase with easterlies in the lower stratosphere, a strong SSW, and a strong pulse of wave activity in the week before the event. Other factors, such as El Nino, stratospheric preconditioning, and the morphology (split vs. displacement) are comparatively less important.