Story perspectives

Cold Blob Near Newfoundland Indicates AMOC Slowdown, Raises Risks

6/16/2026

Summary

Scientists Warn

Scientists say the “cold blob” east of Newfoundland signals a weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC).
The blob overlaps a key AMOC segment that transports warm water northward.
Climate models warn that an AMOC slowdown could cool the Northern Hemisphere, raise sea levels, and cause African droughts and a harsh European winter.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says an abrupt AMOC failure is unlikely before 2100.

Summary

Rahmstorf Warns

A study published in Geophysical Research Letters on June 16, 2026 provides peer-reviewed support for the cold-blob findings.
Stefan Rahmstorf posted on X on June 9 that he now views the AMOC tipping risk as high-impact rather than low-probability.
The research used temperature records back to 1870 and satellite observations starting in 1993 to track long-term changes.
Measurements show the greatest heat loss occurred in the upper 1,000 meters, matching the AMOC core region.

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Scientists Warn

Scientists say the “cold blob” east of Newfoundland signals a weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC).
The blob overlaps a key AMOC segment that transports warm water northward.
Climate models warn that an AMOC slowdown could cool the Northern Hemisphere, raise sea levels, and cause African droughts and a harsh European winter.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says an abrupt AMOC failure is unlikely before 2100.

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