Typically, weather patterns are never constant, and balancing the thermal extremes at the poles and equator results in these patterns. Ocean currents and wind patterns are driven by these temperature differences, and for the most part, our populated areas are habitable, and farmlands are productive.
In a study of the wind patterns in recent decades, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany believes there may be a link between recent extreme weather events and climate change.
Generally speaking, wind patterns pull warm air from the equator and cool air from the poles. These winds come and go in waves. Studying the last 30-odd years of weather data in the Northern Hemisphere, Potsdam researcher Vladimir Petoukhov wrote, “During several recent extreme weather events, these planetary waves almost freeze in their tracks for weeks.”
According to the theory, climate change is stopping these waves from moving as quickly. Instead of having a couple of hot days followed by cooler days, the heat stretches for weeks.
On the backside of the wave, the cooler weather lasts for weeks as well. These extremes are killing off crops and livestock, which drive up food prices. The same heatwaves also kill thousands of people every year.
Climate change has been suggested as a reason for extreme weather patterns, which is why some people are confused when Global Warming and Extreme Winter Storm are mentioned in the same sentence, but this new theory could explain it. The planetary weather wave system seems to have a crest of 1,500 to 2,500 miles, but the speed is variable. Climate change seems to be slowing these waves down, which is leading to such extreme weather events, both hot and cold.