The jet stream is a fast-moving band of air currents high in the atmosphere that steers global weather systems.

As the Arctic warms faster than the equator, the temperature difference driving these winds weakens significantly.

A slower jet stream becomes wavy and meandering, causing weather patterns to get stuck in place for weeks.

These stalled atmospheric blocks lead to prolonged droughts, intense heatwaves, and devastating floods.

Shifting winds are increasing clear-air turbulence and altering flight durations across the Atlantic.

Scientists monitor these critical shifts to better predict how our changing climate will reshape future weather.