research overview
- Dr. Winters's research interests are focused on understanding the dynamics, variability, and predictability of atmospheric flow patterns that are conducive to the development of high-impact weather events at middle and polar latitudes. Dr. Winters is specifically investigating the atmospheric processes that facilitate the merger of the typically separate polar and subtropical jet streams, and how that merger relates to high-impact weather both in current and future climates. Additionally, Dr. Winters is exploring the predictability of the North Pacific and North Atlantic jet streams, and discerning whether certain jet stream configurations are conducive to high-impact weather events over North America. Our research group is also actively investigating the predictability of near-freezing precipitation events as well as the dynamics and characteristics of high-latitude atmospheric rivers. We are also focusing on diagnosing a variety of extreme weather events along the Colorado Front Range, including bomb cyclones, strong cold frontal passages, and extreme downslope winds. Research questions investigated by our research group are addressed using a combination of long-term reanalysis and climate datasets, operational and idealized forecast model output, and representative case studies.
