24-January-2024-Editorial

MORE BRUTAL WINTER WEATHER IS ON THE WAY AFTER DEADLY STORMS AND COLD

The U.S. is currently grappling with severe winter storms, causing a range of challenges across states due to sub-freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. This adverse weather has resulted in a significant number of deaths primarily due to hypothermia and road accidents.

Factors Causing Severe Winter Storms:

Polar Vortex:

• A large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding Earth’s poles.
• Weakening in summer and strengthening in winter.
• Arctic amplification from climate change weakens the polar vortex, making it susceptible to disruptions.
• Disruptions lead to the polar vortex stretching or splitting, allowing cold Arctic air to move southward.

Arctic Air Masses:

• Rapid drop in temperatures due to intrusion of Arctic air masses from the Arctic region.
• The air masses extend southward, bringing bitterly cold conditions to unaccustomed areas.

Jet Stream Patterns:

• Fast-flowing ribbon of air high in the atmosphere.
• Changes in the jet stream pattern can push cold air from the Arctic southward.

Winter Storms:

About:

• Weather events with extreme cold, precipitation (snow, sleet, freezing rain), and strong winds.
• Disrupt daily activities, impact transportation, and pose hazards.

Formation:

• Moist air rising, occurring at cold fronts or when air moves up hills/mountains.
• Source of moisture from large bodies of water.
• Presence of cold air results in snow or ice precipitation.

Types:

• Snowstorms: Precipitation falls mainly as snow based on air temperature.
• Blizzards: Defined by strong winds, reducing visibility and causing snowdrifts.
• Lake Effect Storms: Abundance of moisture from Great Lakes, causing heavy snowstorms.
• Ice Storms: Accumulation of at least 0.25 inches of ice, leading to hazardous conditions.

Hypothermia:

Medical emergency when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Occurs when body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold exposure disrupts the body’s ability to maintain core temperature.

Symptoms:

• Shivering (a sign of active heat regulation systems).
• Slow, shallow breathing.
• Confusion, memory loss.
• Drowsiness or exhaustion.

Way Forward and Precautions:

• Emergency Preparedness: Public awareness on recognizing hypothermia symptoms. Emergency services on high alert during severe winter conditions.
• Infrastructure Resilience: Developing infrastructure resilient to extreme weather conditions. Adequate measures to clear roads and prevent accidents.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Global efforts to mitigate climate change, addressing Arctic amplification. Sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Public Safety Measures: Advisories on staying indoors during severe winter storms. Adequate winter clothing and heating arrangements.
• International Cooperation: Collaborative efforts to understand and address disruptions in the polar vortex. Sharing meteorological data for early prediction and preparedness.