May is often one of our drier months in Santa Fe, so what is causing us to have several days of rain? It's called the Omega Block.
What's Up with the Rainy Forecast?
May 5, 2025
By Jay Faught
What Is an Omega Block?
An Omega Block is a large-scale, stationary weather pattern characterized by a high-pressure system flanked by two low-pressure systems, forming a shape reminiscent of the Greek letter Omega (Ω) in the jet stream. This configuration disrupts the typical west-to-east movement of weather systems, leading to prolonged periods of consistent weather in affected regions.
How Does It Affect Weather?
The Omega Block's structure causes varying weather impacts:
Under the High-Pressure Ridge:
Regions experience stable, dry, and often warmer-than-average conditions.
Under the Low-Pressure Troughs:
Areas are subjected to unsettled weather, including increased cloudiness, precipitation, and cooler temperatures. Santa Fe will be impacted by the low pressure.
This type of pattern is relatively rare and can persist for several days or even weeks, locking in specific weather conditions over affected regions. For Santa Fe, that means an extended stretch of cooler and wetter weather than we typically see in May.
Broader Impacts Across the U.S.
The Omega Block's influence extends beyond Santa Fe:
Southern U.S.:
Experiencing heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving 3-6 inches, leading to potential flooding.
Northeast:
Benefiting from 1-3 inches of rain, alleviating drought conditions in some areas.
Northern Plains:
Encountering unseasonably warm temperatures due to the high-pressure ridge.
Looking Ahead
As the Omega Block persists, Santa Fe can expect continued cooler and wetter conditions in the short term. However, forecasts suggest a return to more typical spring weather patterns by next week as the jet stream shifts and the Omega Block dissipates.
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