http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/PSB/EPS/SS...11.17.2006.gif

I've noticed for a few weeks the cold SST anomaly hugging the east coast
of the USA (-2 ~ -2.5°c) together with the warm strip to it's south
(+2°c), quite a gradient in SST's. I was wondering what effect this may
have on the Atlantic weather systems. We still have the cold anomaly to
the south of NFL, which should promote blocking at some stage down
stream, but my gut feeling is that SST gradient will produce some quite
intense depression that side of the Atlantic which may have a knock on
effect of pushing the Azores High towards Iceland and maybe linking up.
This would also fit with what Will mentioned about blocking at 30° Lat.

Obviously I only look at this from a layman's perspective and have no
technical credentials to back up my thoughts, however, I'm sure there a
few others who may like to pass comment on their experience in this subject.
--
Keith (Southend)
http://www.southendweather.net
e-mail: kreh at southendweather dot net