North Atlantic Oscillation

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a climate pattern involving fluctuations in atmospheric pressure between the Azores High and the Icelandic Low. These pressure differences influence weather and ocean conditions in Europe, North America, and North Atlantic regions. When the NAO is in its positive phase, stronger pressure differences lead to milder, wetter winters in northern Europe and colder, stormier conditions in eastern North America. During the negative phase, the pattern weakens, resulting in colder winters in Europe and milder conditions in North America. The NAO plays a key role in seasonal weather variability and climate patterns across the North Atlantic.