Blocking is King

The term "atmospheric blocking" is something often used exclusively in the winter season, as it is typically a more influential feature to look out for during the cold months. I, however, personally think it doesn't get enough play in the summer. Sure it isn't as strong of a signal, but can still have quite an influence. Don't believe me? Well, the Arctic Oscillation has been quite negative the entire month of June so far, indicating more high latitude blocking. So below, I have posted first the map of June's anomalies to date (image courtesy of the fine folks at MDA), and second, the map showing the typically pattern when blocking in prominent in June. I'll let you be the judge here, but it looks clear cut to me that it can play quite a role. Also, the astute one may notice a lot of years in the second composite come from years where we either were heading hard into el nino or already had one in progress. Coincidence? I tend to think not!