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Observed and forecasted (NOAA GEFSv12) wind speed in the polar vortex compared to the natural range of variability (faint blue shading). Since mid-November, the winds at 60 degrees North (the mean location of the polar vortex) have been stronger than normal. According to the GEFSv12 forecast issued on January 5 2025, those winds are forecast to remain stronger than normal for at least the next few weeks (bold red line). NOAA Climate.gov image, adapted from original by Laura Ciasto.