“Omega Block” Blocking Pattern Brings A Stretch of Warm and Dry Weather for Mid-Missouri

Atmospheric blocking is a meteorological phenomenon that leads to a stagnation of a particular weather pattern, causing that same pattern to last for several days to even weeks.

This weekend, the United States has fallen into an “Omega Block.” During this weather pattern, the flow of the upper level stream of winds, known as the jet stream, resemble the Greek letter “Omega,” hence the name. For this blocking pattern, there is a trough of low pressure, followed by a ridge of high pressure, followed by yet another trough of low pressure.

In our current situation, there is ridging over the eastern half of the United States while a deep trough exists over the western portion of the county. What does this mean for Mid-Missouri? Well, this will continue to produce warmer temperatures, clear skies, and dry conditions through the end of this weekend. On the flip side, wet and cooler weather will persist in the west.

On Monday, however,this pattern begins to break down, which will lead to chances for much needed rain for next work week.