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Ice sheets
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Summer in November

With decreased rainfall, higher-than-average temperatures and strong winds this November, scientists worry that global warming has set a new weather trend for Israel; 'We are probably witnessing the fastest and strongest period of the expected effects of global warming in Israel.'

Unseasonably high temperatures in the North Pole are not only affecting the climate in Israel and the rest of the world, but also have scientists worried the trend will continue.

 

 

"We are probably witnessing the fastest and strongest period of the expected effects of global warming in Israel, including reduced rainfall—especially in the north," said Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld of Hebrew University.

 

Beach in Jaffa (Photo: Asaf Magal) (Photo: Asaf Magal)
Beach in Jaffa (Photo: Asaf Magal)

 

In the short term, it is difficult to determine the exact connection between global warming and local weather patterns, but scientists around the world are pointing to more and more phenomena that are becoming more severe. In Israel for example, the north has been suffering from a sustained drought that began three years ago. The lack of rain at the beginning of the season this year gives little hope that the situation will improve.

 

At this point in the season, temperatures in the North Pole should be well below zero. In nornmal circumstances, now is the period when the ice sheets covering the area grow wider, but this is not the case today. Currently, temperatures in the North Pole are more than 20 degrees warmer than normal and according to Prof. Rosenfeld, this has a direct impact on us.

 

Ice sheets (Photo: Shutterstock) (Photo: Shutterstock)
Ice sheets (Photo: Shutterstock)

 

"Westerly winds generally dominate the winter in temperate regions, including ours, driven by the temperature difference between the cold air in the Arctic and the warm air near the equator. As air was unusually warm in the Arctic, westerly winds that bring us winter weather systems are weakened especially in our region, and this may explain the drought we are experiencing," says Rosenfeld.

 

The high temperatures that have prevailed in Israel over the last several days are indeed deviations from the norm, but the last several Novembers have been drier compared to previous years and scientists say it could already be a new trend.

 

In the coming days, weather patterns are expected to be more severe with winds reaching up to 100 km/h, but more than likely, no rain.

 

Rosenfeld, who presented a report on water shortage in the north three years ago with Dr. Amir Givati for the Hydrological Water Authority, says we are seeing a faster-than-expected realization of their findings.

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.22.16, 12:00
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