Researchers measure ocean temperature to increase accuracy of long-lead weather predictions.

Predicting the weather with a degree of certainty for more than a week in advance has been almost next to impossible, however as the New York Times, a team of researchers have noticed a correlation between a pair of precursors which have typically led to hotter days in North America: a deficit in rainfall and “anomalous atmospheric wave trains.”

By measuring the surface temperatures of oceans from 1982 to 2015, researchers have been better able to predict the weather. The phrase “anomalous atmospheric wave trains.” refer to abnormal patterns of highs and low of standard parts of atmospheric flow caused by wind.

By doing this research, we will not only be in a better position to predict heat waves but also lead to and result in greater accuracy in long-lead weather forecasting. Scientists believe a seven week advance notice could be crucial in saving lives due to abnormal weather conditions, including extreme heat. In 1995, 700 sick and elderly people from Chicago died to a heat wave.