A possible relationship between some 'severe' winters in North America and enhanced convective activity over the tropical West Pacific.

Abstract

From observations and a variety of general circulation modeling evidence, it is suggested that the exceptionally cold weather experienced over much of the US during some recent winter months (eg January 1985, December 1976-February 1977) was associated with enhanced latent heat release over the tropical West Pacific. The mechanism associated with such enhancement may not be unique.- Authors