Study finds atmospheric rivers shift closer to poles, altering global weather patterns

A new study shows that atmospheric rivers have shifted 6° to 10° closer to the poles over the past 40 years. This change affects weather patterns and rainfall distribution globally, with implications for both hemispheres. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara attribute the shift to cooling in the eastern tropical Pacific. As a result, areas previously impacted by atmospheric rivers are now farther north in the Northern Hemisphere and farther south in the Southern Hemisphere. The movement may lead to increased droughts and heatwaves in regions that relied on these weather systems, while higher latitudes could experience heavier rainfall and stronger storms. The study highlights the need for further research on the broader effects of these changes.