Planetary Nexus Institute

24/08/2026

Opportunity alert:
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
Deadline: 15, 2026 11:59 PM ET.

The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program offers in-residence opportunities for independent research or study related to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or research interests of the Institution and its staff. Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to conduct independent research and to utilize the resources of the Institution with members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serving as advisors and hosts. These fellowships are offered through the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, and are administered under the charter of the Institution, 20 U.S. Code section 41 et seq.

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

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12/06/2026

❄️ Why do severe winter storms still occur in a warming climate?

Climate change does not remove cold weather: it changes how it behaves.

As global temperatures rise, winters are milder on average and snow cover is declining. Yet warming also alters atmospheric dynamics, sometimes increasing winter disruption.

Key mechanisms include:
🌀 Polar vortex shifts – when weakened or displaced, it can amplify jet stream swings and push Arctic air south.
💧 More atmospheric moisture – warmer air and oceans fuel heavier snow, sleet, or freezing rain when cold air is present.
⚖️ Competing effects – reduced temperature contrasts can weaken storms, while extremes may intensify.

The result: fewer cold events overall, but potentially sharper impacts when they occur.

Understanding this complexity strengthens forecasting, early warnings, and preparedness.

Learn more ➡️ https://ow.ly/j63S50Z7G9P

02/06/2026