The jet stream, a high-altitude, fast-flowing air current, plays a crucial role in steering weather systems. The temperature difference between the polar regions and the equator helps drive the jet stream. As the polar regions warm faster than the rest of the planet, this temperature gradient weakens, potentially leading to a slowdown or changes in the behavior of the jet stream. These shifts can result in more persistent weather patterns, such as prolonged heatwaves, cold spells, or storm tracks.