Arctic ice melt ‘ already affecting weather patterns where you live right now ’
Soaring Arctic temperatures ‘ strongly linked ’ to recent extreme weather events , say scientists at cutting edge of climate change research … The jet stream forms a boundary between the cold north and the warmer south , but the lower temperature difference means the winds are now weaker . This means the jet stream meanders more , with big loops bringing warm air to the frozen north and cold air into warmer southern climes . Furthermore , researchers say , the changes mean the loops can remain stuck over regions for weeks , rather than being blown westwards as in the past . This “ blocking ” effect means extreme events can unfold . From : The Guardian ( Eds note : Just for the record , Here ’ s the Jetstream for Monday December 19th .. Image from Netweather Jetstream forecast )