What is an Omega block?
This atmospheric phenomenon, which resembles a Greek letter, takes place high above us and can lead to a broken-record type of weather pattern.
What is an 'Omega block' weather pattern?
Named for its resemblance to the Greek letter Ω, an Omega block occurs when two low-pressure systems become cut off from the main flow of the jet stream, sandwiching a high-pressure system between them.
Blocking patterns in the upper levels of the atmosphere can lead to some interesting weather on the ground.
One such pattern is called an "Omega block." The name comes from a resemblance to the Greek letter Ω on a weather map. It’s created when two low-pressure systems become cut off from the main flow of the jet stream, and a high-pressure system is sandwiched in between them.
An example of an Omega block.
(FOX Weather)
This type of pattern usually results in cooler, wetter weather where the lows are situated and drier, warmer weather where the high is located.
Omega blocks are usually large, which means they are one of the more stubborn blocks to break down. This can create concerns about flooding where the wet weather persists and drought worries where the dry weather happens.