Persistent Extratropical Regimes and Climate Extremes

Abstract

Some studies have suggested a recent increase in high-impact persistent circulation regimes in the extratropics. In this brief review paper, we discuss some aspects of this work and also consider more broadly how regimes such as blocking and stationary Rossby wave patterns may be altered under climate change. The amplified Arctic warming is discussed as one of several factors influencing the atmospheric dynamics from the equator to the poles. Some theoretical arguments are given alongside discussion of observational and modelling results. We include consideration of climate model skill and statistical aspects of the problem linking the distribution of climate variables to the extremes.