Influence of the North Atlantic SST on the atmospheric circulation

Using the monthly COADS dataset and NMC‐NCAR archives we show that significant anomalies of the atmospheric circulation are related to previous SST anomalies in the North Atlantic. A signal over the northwest Labrador Sea in late spring is associated with the dominant mode of SST variability during the preceeding winter. It is more clearly seen in the mid‐troposhere than at sea level and appears to be related to the anomalous surface heat exchanges that slowly damp the SST anomalies. In addition, a NAO‐like signal in early winter is associated with SST anomalies east of Newfoundland and in the eastern subtropical North Atlantic during the preceeding summer.