Why do severe winter storms still occur in a warming climate?

Climate change does not remove cold weather: it changes how it behaves.

As global temperatures rise, winters are milder on average and snow cover is declining. Yet warming also alters atmospheric dynamics, sometimes increasing winter disruption.

Key mechanisms include:

🌀 Polar vortex shifts – when weakened or displaced, it can amplify jet stream swings and push Arctic air south.

💧 More atmospheric moisture – warmer air and oceans fuel heavier snow, sleet, or freezing rain when cold air is present.

⚖️ Competing effects – reduced temperature contrasts can weaken storms, while extremes may intensify.

The result: fewer cold events overall, but potentially sharper impacts when they occur.

Understanding this complexity strengthens forecasting, early warnings, and preparedness.

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History of GIS

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