Characterizing Variability in the Drivers of Extreme Climate Events in Alaska

Start Date

2017-08-01

End Date

2022-07-31

Release Date

2017

Extreme climate events, such as very warm days, very cold days and intense storms, are both notable but also frequently impactful. Previous work has identified the atmospheric circulation patterns associated with extreme events. These patterns can be used in a number of ways, including informing forecasts and downscaling future climate projections. Here we look at the circulation patterns on all extreme days and find that not all extreme days are created equal. Some extreme climate events, like extremely warm summer days, routinely occur under the expected atmospheric circulation patterns, and those atmospheric circulation patterns are almost always associated with extreme climate events. Other extreme events, like cold summer days, occur under a much wider range of circulation patterns.

ScienceBase WMS

• Alaska CASC
• National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers