Concurrent Extremes in August 2023: the Role of Planetary Wave Resonance
Traditionally, extreme weather events have been studied in isolation, limiting our understanding of their simultaneous occurrence when geographically separated yet dynamically connected. August 2023 provides a natural laboratory for investigating such concurrent extremes. In this study, we identify a series of resonant planetary wave configurations, providing compelling evidence for the role of atmospheric resonance in influencing concurrent extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, and floods. Our findings demonstrate that during resonance periods, warm and moist air from lower latitudes shifts the mid-latitude waveguide northward, significantly affecting regions within these longitudinal bands. The interplay of jet-trapped heat dome and advected diabatic heating further enhances the persistence and intensity of a blocking anticyclone. With projected increases in resonant amplification events, which are still not adequately represented in current-generation climate models, our results suggest an increased likelihood of compound hazards in a future climate characterized by greater warmth and moisture.