Jarring cold weather in summer and extreme cold periods in winter are not usually associated with global warming. In fact 2023 was the hottest year on record, so why are we feeling the chill here in Britain?
When the term ‘global warming’ was introduced a few decades ago, it referred to the phenomenon of greenhouse gases trapping heat and warming the average temperature of the atmosphere. Although continuous record high temperatures are stark evidence of the impact of our emissions, scientists now understand that an atmosphere changed by rising levels of gases like carbon and methane leads to more changes than just warming.
Jet Stream
A lot of our weather patterns in the UK are shaped by the jet stream. The jet stream (so called because it was discovered by pilots during World War II) is a narrow band of westerly winds circling above us that help contain the cold air sitting over the Arctic. Typically, this powerful band of wind lies north of the UK, protecting us from the cold air – and weather – contained in the Arctic region. A strong jet stream keeps this mass of cold air wrapped up and away from us; a weak jet stream has a more erratic path and develops deep ‘meanders’ southwards, drawing Arctic air over the UK.
Cold Air Moves South
As a result of global warming, the Arctic has warmed about twice as fast as the rest of the world over the past 30 years. Scientists think it’s possible that a warmer Arctic is making the polar vortex more prone to wobbling or waving, weakening the jet stream that protects us and pushing Arctic weather south for unpredictable cold snaps as well as longer freezing spells.
There is increasing evidence that these jet stream meanderings could become permanent. And while scientists may disagree on the exact path of the shifting jet stream, the only way to avoid the UK plunging into the deep freeze is to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted that are causing this disruption. And that takes collective action locally as well as bold leadership nationally.
Local Climate Action
On Carbon Copy you can find the latest local climate action plans published and the most recent local emissions data tracked by DESNZ. You can learn how the big picture is affecting the place where you live and discover the kinds of initiatives people are working on together to reduce local emissions.
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