Northeastern US: hotspot for climate change

The Northeastern region of the United States, from Maine to Delaware, has been experiencing much warmer summers and shorter winters. Obviously, this is a result of climate change, but the question is why is the northeast experiencing worse effects of climate change than the rest of the country. Scientists have discovered that changes in the atmosphere and ocean around this region are what is causing this warming. The slowing in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is the first reason. As discussed in an earlier blog, global warming has caused the ice to melt in the cold part of the circulation which slows down the circulation and does not keep the water as cold. Warmer water is along the northeastern coast and it is there for longer. The second reason is the North Atlantic Oscillation. This atmospheric current governs the strength and position of the winds that blow from the US. Over the northeast is blows the warmer air that is caused by the warmer ocean onto the land. As a result of this, the northeastern region has become much warmer. The combo between the AMOC and the NAO is what has to lead to the northeast becoming a hotspot of climate change. This once again shows how climate change is affecting our world but also shows how it is different for every place and we need to take into account all factors when studying it. 

If you want to read more, use this link