Not uncommon, but still an unusual weather pattern for late May into early June

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Over past few weeks we have seen an interesting weather pattern for late May into early June. Little rain for most and east to west moving afternoon pop-up showers and storms. And we can’t forget it’s still severe weather season. We haven’t seen much of that lately. So, what’s going on?

Typically this time of year we would see a weather pattern seen above. The jet stream over the northern tier of the United States with high pressure to the south. There is still a decent temperature contrast with cooler air to north and humid warm air south. We normally see dips in the jet stream move across the U.S at this time. In those dips we see jet streaks, which are stronger wind regions within the jet stream. These help to fuel severe weather in May and June.

However, we are experiencing this type of weather pattern called an omega block pattern. (Image above) Named such due to the fact that the upper-air pattern resembles the Greek letter omega. This type of weather pattern has a ridge of high pressure squeezed between two upper level lows. This affects our weather here by pushing storms with potential rain up and over the plains. As you can see, the jet stream is well to the north. The upper air dynamics required for organized rain and severe weather missing Nebraska. While this type of pattern is not uncommon, it is very unusual for this pattern to stick around for weeks at a time. Looking at future weather models, the ridge of high pressure looks to break down going into this weekend. This will allow for storms to move through and give us some much needed rain.

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