The Link Between Climate Change and Extreme Cold: Unraveling the Science
As unprecedented heat makes way for cold, it can provide fuel for climate-change deniers who point to freezing temperatures as evidence that global warming is overstated. But scientists are clear: cold extremes will still occur even as winters warm overall. This article explores the complex links between climate change and extreme cold, shedding light on the science behind the phenomenon.
The Paradox of Cold Extremes in a Warming World
As unprecedented heat makes way for cold, it can provide fuel for climate-change deniers who point to freezing temperatures as evidence that global warming is overstated. But scientists are clear: cold extremes will still occur even as winters warm overall. Global heat records outpace cold records2023 was the hottest year on record by a huge margin. And even as the US struggles to cope with intense bursts of heavy snow now, over the long term, the human-caused climate crisis has led to an alarming trend of disappearing snow in the Northern Hemisphere.
A worker helps remove snow from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on January 14.
Some scientists say that climate change may even be playing a role in these icy blasts, as warming in the Arctic increases the likelihood that frigid, polar air can sweep southwards. The article delves into the paradox of cold extremes coexisting with a warming climate, highlighting the need to understand the underlying mechanisms driving this phenomenon.
Understanding the Factors Behind Extreme Cold
Our weather is heavily influenced by the jet stream, a wavy river of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere. When the jet stream swings south, it can push cold Arctic air into North America, Europe, and Asia. When it retreats north, warm air will also push further north. A big high-pressure swing over Europe last January led to record warm winter temperatures. The article explores the role of the jet stream and the polar vortex in driving extreme cold events, shedding light on the complex interplay of atmospheric dynamics and climate change.
The polar vortex, a belt of strong winds which sits extremely high in the stratosphere, plays a crucial role in regulating the distribution of cold air. Disruptions in the polar vortex, influenced by warming in the Arctic, can lead to the spilling out of cold air and influence the path of the jet stream. The section delves into the science behind polar vortex disruptions and their potential link to climate change, providing insights into the intricate mechanisms shaping extreme cold events.
Unraveling the Complex Links Between Climate Change and Cold Snaps
The article explores the ongoing scientific debate surrounding the links between Arctic warming and cold snaps, highlighting the unsettled nature of this area of science. While some scientists argue that rapid heating in the Arctic and high snowfall in Siberia are making the jet stream more wavy and knocking the polar vortex off course, others contend that extreme cold snaps can be explained by normal climate variability. The section presents diverse perspectives on the relationship between climate change and cold extremes, emphasizing the need for further research to unravel the complex links between the two phenomena.
As scientists work to unravel the complex links between climate change and periods of intense cold, all agree on one thing: the trend is for warmer winters. The article concludes by highlighting the consensus among scientists that over the long term, global warming is leading to fewer and less severe cold extremes, while also acknowledging the need for continued research to fully understand the impacts of climate change on extreme cold events.
