The Jet Stream & Climate Change

As a result of a weakening jet stream, the cyclones and anticyclones either side of the peaks and troughs in the waves remain stationary over areas of the globe for longer than usual These are associated with extreme weather events such as heatwaves and storms.

Stationary high pressure systems - also known as blocks** - disrupt the flow of the jet stream, which usually carries cooler air. In such an instance, these cooler weather fronts are instead diverted to the north.

The increased persistence of high-pressure blocks in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, in combination with surface-level anthropogenic effects on global warming, gives rise to more intense heatwaves.

Theories around the projected frequency of stationary patterns in response to climate change are somewhat speculative, however, studies show that a 10o shift north could cause ten times as many blocking events associated with extreme weather, in the mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere.***

https://earth.nullschool.net/ https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/past-uk-weather-events https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/past-uk-weather-events