Bad news for nervous fliers! Severe turbulence is set to get even WORSE thanks to climate change, scientists say - as they discover a link between 'freak wind gusts' and global warming

But severe turbulence is set to get even worse - with climate change to blame. That's according to Professor Lance M Leslie and Milton Speer from the University of Technology Sydney, who have discovered a link between'freak wind gusts' and global warming. Using machine learning techniques, the pair found that heat and moisture are'key ingredients' for dangerous wind gusts known as'downbursts.' Downbursts can wreak havoc during takeoff and landing, causing planes to dangerously gain or lose altitude. Based on their findings, the scientists are calling for air safety authorities and airlines to be'more vigilant during takeoff and landing in a warming world.' 'Our research is among the first to detail the heightened climate risk to airlines from thunderstorm microbursts, especially during takeoff and landing,' they explained in an article for The Conversation.