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What's Causing This Extreme Winter Weather?

A new study suggests that rapid increases in temperature in the Arctic are causing the jet stream to change.

As much of the U.S. has endured a seemingly endless string of nasty winter storms, some scientists are suggesting that an altered jet stream pattern might be to blame.

Is this unusual or just a bad winter? One study suggests that climate change has altered the jet stream creating a situation where weather patterns are stagnating over the U.S. 

The study, according to Time, shows that the jet stream over Northern Europe and North America has shifted . The study found that as temperatures continue to rapidly rise in the arctic, the temperature difference between the Arctic and middle latitudes is diminishing – slowing the jet stream.

The BBC reported that as the jet stream slows, it has begun taking a longer, more meandering path. Consequently, weather patterns tend to become "stuck over areas" and cold weather is driven further south while warm weather is driven further north.

However, other scientists have disputed the notion that climate change is to blame for shifting the jet stream.

The Daily Mail quoted climate professor Mat Collins as saying "There is no evidence that global warming can cause the jet stream to get stuck in the way it has this winter. If this is due to climate change, it is outside our knowledge."

What do you think? Let us know your views in comments.




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