It may seem counter-intuitive but climate scientists believe that it is Global warming that is causing the destabilization of our climate. This, in turn, is causing the Extreme Weather Conditions we have been experiencing this winter. We have long known that Global Warming is causing climate change. The sea levels are rising, permafrost is thawing, and sea ice is melting. Now, it is also believed to be the cause of one of the most brutal winters the East Coast has seen.
Melting Sea Ice
Some climate scientists, like Jennifer Francis at Rutgers, believe that the Jet Stream is being affected by rising temperatures and melting sea ice in the Arctic.
She believes it is causing the cold air, which would normally be contained above the North Pole, to spread out. This is causing the cold spells the East Coast is now experiencing and increasing the likelihood of snow.
The scientific community is still gathering and examining data on this topic. Climate scientist Kevin Trenberth from the National Center for Atmospheric Research indicated in 2016 that not all of the arctic studies show a clear cause and effect. It is, however, becoming more apparent that the Jet Stream is becoming more erratic and these are in direct relation to the shifting Arctic conditions.
However we look at it, it does seem to be more clear that this “good old Global warming” Is actually the cause of the extreme cold, not the remedy the president would have it be.
In the East, it could be the COLDEST New Year’s Eve on record. Perhaps we could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming that our Country, but not other countries, was going to pay TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS to protect against. Bundle up!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 29, 2017
Recent findings have confirmed that in the last two decades the previously relatively straight path made by the polar Jet Stream has begun to “meander." These waves have been causing severe cold spells in the winter and major storms like Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The meandering is causing pockets of cold air to travel south. This weather pattern isn't likely to change due to the loss of sea ice and the warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific.
Extended drought and increased snow
The extended drought conditions in California, and some other Western States, as well as the increased snow in the North East, are both symptoms of the same issue.
With these changes, persistent weather patterns will continue to occur. Although the record cold will not happen as often in the future, it will last longer when it does occur. With the unchecked emissions of greenhouse gases continuing, Arctic warming will increase and continue to cause extreme weather events.
