Ocean heat content hit a record high in 2022, a new study found, in a clear indication of continued global warming.
The big picture: The research, published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, indicates that ocean warming is leading to widespread changes throughout the sea, with salty areas getting saltier and fresh regions of the ocean getting fresher.
The "endless stream"of atmospheric river events is set to refocus across northern California Wednesday, as "high impact" heavy precipitation continues across much of the state, according to the National Weather Service.
The big picture: The latest deadly storm triggered evacuations and the closure of schools and major roads across California this week due to the threat of "torrential rain, widespread flooding, rapid water rises, mudslides and landslides with possible debris flows, heavy mountain snow and gusty high winds," per the NWS.
An "endless onslaught of potent" extreme weather systems with atmospheric rivers are pummelling California with heavy rainfall, powerful winds and staggeringly high mountain snowfalls, per the National Weather Service.
The big picture: The latest and most extreme atmospheric river to hit the state since the bombardement began late last month has forced thousands of Californians to evacuate as it caused mudslides and widespread flooding and left tens of thousands without power following the deadly storms.
The past eight years were the eight warmest years on record, and 2022 was the fifth-warmest on record globally, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Why it matters: The ranking, released Tuesday morning, shows the planet continues its long-term warming trend in response to growing amounts of greenhouse gases.
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said in a speech on Tuesday the central bank is not a "climate policymaker," though acknowledged the Fed has a duty to ensure banks understand the financial risks associated with climate change.
Why it matters: How and if the Fed incorporates climate change initiatives into policymaking will continue to be a political flashpoint in the coming year. Powell seems to be drawing a clear line of how the Fed will maneuver the issue.
