Interannual modulation of extratropical high frequency variability

A simple explanation is presented for the observed interannual changes in the dominant space and time scales of Northem Hemisphere winter extratropical high frequency variability. It is found that such changes can suc- cessfully be predicted by linearizing a 2-level quasi-geostrophic mode] in spherical geometry around the ob- served zona] mean states. The mechanisms responsible for the selection of the most unstable normal mode are investigated.