I'm Paul Loikith, a meteorologist and a climate scientist from Portland
State University, I study extreme temperature and precipitation events
in observations and climate models. Ask me anything!
Abstract
Extreme temperature and precipitation events are often driven by unusual
patterns in atmospheric circulation such as strong high and low pressure
systems. Learning about these large-scale meteorological patterns
improves our understanding of the physical mechanisms that cause
extremes at local scales. Furthermore, because most climate models are
challenged at resolving extremes at local scales, we can use the
associated large-scale patterns as a way to analyze extremes in all
climate models. In the Portland State University Climate Science Lab,
one of our main focus areas is on gaining a better understanding of the
driving large-scale patterns behind extremes in the historical record.
This understanding gives us an observational foundation to evaluate
climate model skill and assess projections of future changes in the
conditions associated with extreme event. I will be back at 3 pm ET (12
pm PT) to answer your questions, Ask me anything!