700-Year Jet Stream Study Reveals Climate Impact on Europe

Tree-ring data uncovers how jet stream shifts have driven extreme weather, wildfires, and epidemics across Europe for centuries.

Researchers used tree-ring samples to reconstruct the jet stream's behavior over the past 700 years.
The study shows a 'dipole' pattern where the jet stream's position influences contrasting weather in northern and southern Europe.
Historical records link extreme northern jet stream positions to cooler, wetter conditions in the British Isles and warmer, drier conditions in the Mediterranean.
The findings highlight how jet stream shifts have historically led to societal impacts such as failed harvests, wildfires, and epidemics.
The research provides critical data to improve climate models and predict future weather extremes amid global warming.