Can extreme cold still happen with global warming?

Yes, extreme cold events can still occur even with overall global warming, and some research suggests they might become more intense when conditions are right.

What is the polar vortex and how does it relate to cold weather?

The polar vortex is a circulation of winds around the Arctic. When it stretches and dips south, it can bring frigid Arctic air into mid-latitude regions.

Is Arctic sea ice loss connected to severe winter storms in the US?

Some scientists suggest a link between Arctic sea ice loss and the stretching of the polar vortex, which can lead to more extreme winter weather events in the US.

Home / Environment / Arctic Chill: Climate Change Fuels Extreme Cold?

Arctic Chill: Climate Change Fuels Extreme Cold?

23 Jan

•

Summary

Global warming brings less frequent, severe cold overall.
Polar vortex stretching may be linked to Arctic sea ice loss.
Cold snaps like this may become rarer but more severe.

Arctic Chill: Climate Change Fuels Extreme Cold?

Frigid temperatures and severe winter storms can still occur despite a warming planet, with some experts suggesting climate change may even exacerbate them. While winters are generally warming, with cold records outnumbered by warm records in the US, extreme cold events remain possible.

This particular cold snap is linked to the polar vortex, a system of winds that usually contains frigid Arctic air. However, when this vortex stretches and dips south, it can bring extreme cold to mid-latitudes. Researchers are observing evidence that this stretching is tied to climate change impacts in the Arctic, such as diminishing sea ice.