ClimateAugust 23, 2026

teleconnections

TEL-ih-kuh-nek-shunz

Definition

Large-scale, long-distance relationships or linkages between weather anomalies or climate patterns in different parts of the world.

Etymology

The word is a combination of the Greek prefix 'tele-' meaning 'distant' or 'at a distance' and the English word 'connection.' It was coined in the early 20th century to describe climatological correlations between geographically separated regions.

In the news

The article uses the term to explain how distant oceanic climate events in the Pacific can influence weather patterns in the UK. It highlights that these climate links are the mechanism by which the atmosphere transfers energy over thousands of miles.

Why Super El Niño will wreak havoc on Britain this winter: Scientists reveal how the climate event in the Pacific will spark cold and stormy weather in the UK

Read the full article ↗

Daily Mail

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