by Lauren Alcala ’18
I can’t be the only person wondering what is going on with the recent weather. These days our thermometers seem to read 60 degrees one day and 20 degrees the next day. For the last decade or so, weather patterns have been significantly abnormal, and meteorologist are puzzled just as we are by this strange phenomenon. Although we are shocked by the warm winter weather and the spring snowstorms, these unusual weather forecasts are beginning to seem like the norm.
This abnormal weather phenomenon is occurring globally, which means it does not only affect us in America. 2016 is the warmest year on record by a shocking amount. This warm weather has had many consequences, one of which is coral bleaching. Coral reefs are severely sick and on the verge of dying because of the ocean’s rising temperature. Additional irregular weather patterns are occurring around the globe, including early hurricane seasons, a record breaking Northeast snowstorm, overly intense snowstorms during a mild winter, snow traveling farther South than usual, tremendously hot conditions that lead to wildfires, and deadly flooding.
Meteorologists study four aspects of weather that lead to the extreme extent of recent weather conditions: frequency, intensity, duration, and timing. Although meteorological technology is advanced, these unusual weather cases are sudden and often unpredictable. Under normal circumstances these extreme episodes would be rare; however, they now seem to be commonplace. To see how rare extreme weather can be, consider this: on average only once in 100 years does frequent, irregular weather occur. This is a pretty big deal. Scientists are able to deduce why these crazy weather patterns have been occurring; however, multiple factors and variables can make the connection point behind the extreme weather unclear.
Scientists suspect climate change to be a major factor behind this abnormal weather phenomenon. Even the slightest change in climate can have a huge impact on weather patterns, such as causing heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. Surprisingly, other extreme weather forces like floods, heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and winter precipitation are majorly affected by climate change.
Here’s Why…
Heat waves– Increase in climate majorly increases the chances of a heat wave
Droughts– When the temperature rises, water evaporates at a faster speed. This and a decrease in precipitation can lead to drought
Wildfires– Increased evaporation and high temperatures contribute to dry conditions that start wildfires
Floods– Extreme rainfall from evaporation and the quickened pace of melting snow can lead to intense flooding
Heavy Rainfall– Warmer temperatures increase evaporation, producing more frequent storms and rainfall
Tornadoes– Since climate change leads to frequent thunderstorms, tornadoes may be spurred by these more frequent storms
Hurricanes– The warming ocean allows hurricanes to draw more energy from the warmer waters
Winter Precipitation– When large amounts of water are evaporated into the air, and the temperature is below freezing, heavy snow results
It is important to educate yourself about the threat of climate change and teach others around you, as well. Even though in Mountain Lakes we may not have weathered conditions as extreme or fatal as those in other regions of the world, we have still experienced first-hand how extreme weather can affect a community. We experienced this when snowstorms disrupted our plans, when hurricanes blew and knocked down trees and power lines cancelled school for weeks. Climate change is a real and current threat that everyone needs to become aware of. What can you do to prevent climate change?
References
United States Environmental Protection Agency
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