US EditionScientists Split on Whether Warming Arctic Drives Polar Vortex Events
Winter Storm Fern is expected to impact more than 160 million Americans with heavy snow and freezing rain due to a stretched polar vortex disrupting typical weather patterns.
- Scientists are split on whether Arctic warming fuels more frequent polar vortex disruptions as Winter Storm Fern threatens more than 160 million Americans from Friday.
- Assessments by the UN's climate science body show Arctic amplification warming the Arctic faster than the global average, while large atmospheric waves can propagate upward and disturb the polar vortex.
- Said Francis, `Studies suggest these aberrations in the vortex are happening more often in a warming world, which favors more frequent winter extremes`,
- In SHREVEPORT, La., local experts urged planning now as the Arctic blast approaches, advising gardeners and homeowners to water plants before freezing, insulate roots with mulch or pine straw, and cover plants to trap warmer air.
- Uncertainty about long-term links leaves the scientific debate open, as Jason Furtado said observations from the past 20 years show increases but caution against strong conclusions tying them to human-caused climate change.
24 Articles
24 Articles
The Conversation
How the polar vortex and warm ocean are intensifying a major US winter storm
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Just How Cold Is It Supposed To Be This Weekend?
I'm not sure if you've heard the news, but it's supposed to be a little chilly across much of the United States this weekend.We do this every couple of years (damn you, global warming, and your *checks notes* cold as hell winters), but this year's edition of the polar vortex has people in a full-blown panic.As is usually the case, there have been reports of "panic buying." It's your usual suspects: bread, milk, and toilet paper, for some reason.…
Massive winter storm tests power grids as extreme cold spreads
Officials warn the dangers extend beyond the storm itself, with prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy snow and ice raising concerns about outages, car accidents and infrastructure damage. NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda reports.
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