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Top 10 global weather events of 2010

5. Negative Arctic Oscillation

Seth Perlman / AP / File
Ice fisherman Tim Rasmussen, left, and Seamus, a miniature Schnauzer, endure freezing temperatures for his favorite sport near Ashland, Ill. on Feb. 26, as cold winter weather, including snow and freezing rain, stayed locked over the Midwest.

  • By National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The Arctic Oscillation influences winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere: when it is negative, arctic air slides south. In February, the index reached -4.27, the lowest value since records began in 1950.

During February's record oscillation, high pressure over the Arctic and low pressure at mid-latitudes drove freezing air into North America and Europe, resulting in heavy snowfall and record low temperatures.

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