Loss of Arctic Ice May be to Blame for Snowier and Colder Winters
A resent study released in the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences connects the recent cold weather with the decline of Arctic ice. The study says we may be in for colder and snowier winters in the future as Arctic ice continues to melt.
The way it works is: as there is less ice it affects atmospheric circulation patterns which weakens westerly winds that blow across the North Atlantic Ocean. Without that cold air more humidity forms which in turn fuels more snow.
Scientists contribute the loss of Arctic ice mainly on warming temperatures due to climate changes and aren’t sure if the increased snowfall can be contributed directly to Arctic sea ice. They say much more research is needed. But their recent findings are leaning that way.