Climate Change is Causing the Jet Stream to Shift

By the end of 2023, experts observed that the planet's jet stream winds were increasing, with projections indicating their speed could grow significantly by mid-century, a new development related to climate change’s effect on planet.

For decades now, scientists have noticed sections of the planet’s jet streams shifting towards the poles, probably as a result of global warming. Our greenhouse gas emissions are exacerbating heat and drought in areas that rely on high-altitude winds to guide storms toward them.

Climate Change’s Effect on the Polar Jet Stream and Vortex

The polar jet stream and polar vortex both play a significant role in world weather patterns. Global warming has been affecting both, causing freezing air from the Arctic to encroach on warmer mid-latitude regions. This demonstrates that as the Earth's average temperature rises, some regions will actually experience more intense winter cold spells. As with other extreme weather events, these cold spells will present significant challenges in safeguarding infrastructure and preventing people from freezing.

Climate change is causing different parts of the planet to warm at different rates. As the Earth warms, the temperature disparity between the Arctic and mid-latitude regions is getting smaller over time. The smaller the disparity in temperature, the weaker the polar jet stream.

A weaker jet stream will have less eastward momentum; therefore, it would be more prone to shift north and south when it encounters slight changes in temperature and pressure. If it shifts far enough, the results would be highly troublesome for multiple regions. The barrier between Arctic and mid-latitude air could bring Arctic temperatures as far south as Mexico. Because they encircle the Earth, the disruption in these jet streams could cause unusual weather all around the northern hemisphere.

While the more extreme coverage of Arctic temperatures still awaits us, Texas has already experienced some of these newer cold spells. The state endured a week of freezing temperatures that killed hundreds and caused power outages. At the same time, a sizable portion of northern Eurasia experienced extreme cold as well. The damage from cold spells can be severe due to the slow movement of a weakened jet stream.

The Worldwide Consequences of These Polar Shifts

Atmospheric circulation is directly influenced by changes in the upper-tropospheric jet streams, which are closely associated with weather patterns such as precipitation, storm tracks, and extreme events. Changes in this system will likely lead to strong westerly winds in the subtropical troposphere, reaching areas that are truly not equipped for such weather.

Changes in jet stream characteristics have been directly attributed to dramatic rainfall changes in the subtropics. In Australia, some regions have experienced rainfall decline due to circulation changes caused by Antarctic ozone depletion. We can expect to see changes in snowfall and weather in mountainous areas too. Weaker jet streams trigger more extreme thunderstorms and cause fast-moving storms to move over the same areas. These are just some examples of the worldwide changes in weather that can be expected.

Anyone who has flown in the last several years has likely noticed more flight disruptions due to extreme weather. The shift of jet streams may have implications for air travel. If jet stream winds are faster, then turbulence becomes more likely. Furthermore, faster winds would likely lead to stronger and more prolonged storms, so flight delays will become more frequent and longer.

These changes in the jet stream and vortex are already set in motion, so they cannot be completely stopped. Scientists predict that the process could merely be slowed, at most. The best people can do is plan for the eventual temperature and weather changes they will be experiencing in their respective region.