Polar vortex status

The SPV is currently marginally stronger than ERA5 average and is forecasted to remain stronger than average (according to GEFS-mean) 31 of 31 members have stronger vortex than average at the last forecast step (2026-08-21T12:00:00) . The zonal mean zonal wind at 10 hPa 60N is today (GFS analysis): -6.1 m/s Weakest zonal wind at 10 hPa 60N in ERA5 record for todays date is: -8.4 m/s 2007 Strongest zonal wind at 10 hPa 60N in ERA5 record for todays date is: -4.4 m/s 1992