Polar vortex status

The SPV is currently marginally weaker than ERA5 average and is forecasted to become stronger than average (according to GEFS-mean) 30 of 31 members have stronger vortex than average at the last forecast step (2026-05-22T00:00:00) . The zonal mean zonal wind at 10 hPa 60N is today (GFS analysis): -5.3 m/s Weakest zonal wind at 10 hPa 60N in ERA5 record for todays date is: -18.1 m/s 2019 Strongest zonal wind at 10 hPa 60N in ERA5 record for todays date is: 4.1 m/s 1981