QBO stands for the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation. It refers to the alternating easterly and westerly winds in the stratosphere, around 30 to 50 Km abover the Earth`s surface, near the equator. This oscillaion typically switches direction every 28 (between 24 and 32 months), hence the term "biennial".

Phases of the QBO:

  • Westerly QBO (WQBO): Favors a weaker polar vortex, sometimes leading to colder winters in Europe/North America.
  • Easterly QBO (EQBO): Often associated with a stronger polar vortex and milder mid-latitude winters.

                 The QBO is an important factor in seasonal forecasting and climate modeling. Its predictability makes it useful for long-range weather predictions.

                   The QBO can have a significant impact on global weather patterns, particularly in terms of the jet stream and the behavior of tropical storms. The phase of the QBO can also influence the likelihood of El Niño or La Niña events, as well as winter weather patterns in places like North America and Europe.