Northward Shift in Pacific Storm Tracks Raises Concerns
Northward Shift in Pacific Storm Tracks Raises Concerns
US · Published Jan 19, 2026
Winter storm tracks in the North Pacific are shifting northward faster than predicted, leading to accelerated ice loss in Alaska.
The shift is intensifying heat and drought conditions in the southwestern United States, impacting water resources and agriculture.
Research confirms the shift is primarily due to human-caused warming, emphasizing the need for climate preparedness and adaptation strategies.
Storm tracks shifting north faster than expected
Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science and Google have recently published findings in the journal Nature, indicating a concerning trend: winter storm tracks over the North Pacific Ocean are shifting northward more rapidly than anticipated by current climate models. This shift is not merely a statistical anomaly; it has tangible and far-reaching consequences, particularly for Alaska and the southwestern United States.
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