We have the impression that global warming usually means warmer and warmer weather. However, recent climate change seems to be breaking this pattern. In the past 10 days, the temperature in most parts of China has dropped significantly, and some areas are even more than 5 below normal for the same period of the year. Although the average temperature in the country this autumn is the highest in history for the same period in history, the recent cold wave has made people feel the power of a cold winter. So, why is this "warmest autumn" so cold?What is the relationship between global warming and cold waves?
First, we need to understand that global warming does not mean that it will warm everywhere and every season. The increase in global average temperature is largely due to the melting of the polar ice caps, which has led to temperatures in the Arctic rising much faster than the global average. This phenomenon is known as the "Arctic amplification effect".
The warming of the Arctic is associated with a decrease in the temperature difference between the middle and low latitudes. This means that the cold air in the polar vortex is more likely to move south, affecting the middle and low latitudes. Therefore, although the trend of global warming continues, the phenomenon of warm and cold fluctuations is more frequent and intense.
According to Liu Yunyun, deputy director of the climate ** office of the National Climate Center, the high temperature this autumn is mainly due to the abnormal climate in the previous period. The cold wave that began on December 14 has the characteristics of wide impact range, long duration, complex phase and large cumulative precipitation. This cold wave process overlapped with previous climatic events, resulting in a cooling range exceeding historical extremes in some areas.
To sum up, we should not simply interpret global warming as a continuous rise in temperature. On the contrary, it can cause the phenomenon of hot and cold fluctuations to be more frequent and intense. While this autumn has been the hottest for the same time on record, the recent cold spell has reminded us that the impacts of climate change are complex and volatile. We need to pay more attention to climate change and take countermeasures to protect our planet.