Recent Abnormal Weather Conditions is not Just Effecting the U.S.

The extreme cold over North America is also causing abnormal weather conditions elsewhere in the world.

The polar vortex, mentioned repeatedly in the weather the past couple weeks, is referring to the layer of the atmosphere called the troposphere. This layer is where weather occurs. The jet stream has weakened and moved further south than it typically does for this time of year resulting in a cold air across the US, which has resulted in extremely low temperatures.

A bear while hibernating still can react to external forces like heavy rains. They can continue their sleep once they find new shelter. Image courtesy of Kaisu Jansson / Yle.

In places like Scandinavia, Russia and south-Eastern Finland, abnormally mild weather systems have caused a change in the hibernation of some animals and the blooming of some plants. The weakening of the jet stream, which usually causes very cold winters and snow to fall, has resulted in a wetter and warmer winter. According to Jessica Aldred, the flooding has caused bears to wake from hibernation and find new shelter, as well as reports of flowers emerging that typically wouldn't be seen until the spring. 

Though some photographers might be excited to see more wildlife out earlier on, there are some problems that could arise from this weather pattern. In the long term berries may not grow as well resulting in a lower food shortage for the bears, as well as seeing pests like mosquitos and ticks during the winter according to Pal Hermansen, a wildlife photographer.