New research has brought about a significant change in the way heatwaves are predicted in the winter. The study points to a cold patch of meltwater in the North Atlantic as a key factor in this phenomenon. The North Sea ice in the polar region is shrinking due to climate change, leading to predictions of ice-free days in late summer and autumn much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers have found that the cold patch is created by low-salt meltwater from Greenland and sea ice sitting on top of denser, saltier water, creating a barrier that prevents heat from rising from deeper waters. This melting phenomenon is also affecting Europe’s weather, with hot summers being linked to the presence of the cold patch.
The slowing down of the North Atlantic circulation due to meltwater could lead to cooling effects in Europe as warm water from the south fails to reach the region as efficiently. This new understanding of the impact of Arctic melting on European weather patterns could help in predicting future climate trends.
The study opens up new possibilities for predicting hot summers in Europe based on winter conditions, which was previously associated with cooling effects on Europe’s climate. The increasing storms in the North Atlantic caused by this melting phenomenon are impacting weather patterns in Europe, leading to zones of hot and dry air. Strong westerly winds are pushing the Gulf Stream further north, affecting the jet stream and creating these extreme temperature variations.
