A Change in the Weather

Introduction to Main Characters and Central Conflict

“A Change in the Weather” by Ray Welch is a speculative fiction novel set between March 2028 and May 2029, focusing on the Russell family as they navigate the social and political upheavals caused by abrupt climate change. The primary characters include each member of the Russell family, who are faced with divergent views on how to respond to the nation’s crisis. The central conflict revolves around the disintegration of democratic and Christian values under the authoritarian regime of President Roland Strauch, a leader of the American Homeland Party, which rises to power amid the chaos.

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Important Events of the Story

The novel begins with the environmental catastrophe of the Arctic ice cap’s continued melting, leading to drastic shifts in weather patterns and global instability. Each summer for the past decade, the ice has melted for progressively longer periods, culminating in catastrophic climate impacts that disrupt agriculture, collapse international economies, and fuel terrorism. Amid this turmoil, President Strauch’s administration gains control, imposing strict measures to maintain order.

The Russell family members each take different paths to deal with the new reality. Their internal conflicts mirror the larger societal struggles, with democracy and religious values being tested. The novel explores how the family members’ differing beliefs and actions reflect broader societal divisions and challenges. Their individual stories and actions intersect with significant national events, illustrating the personal impacts of global crises.

The narrative unfolds over six parts and thirty-eight chapters, depicting a grim but plausible future shaped by current environmental, cultural, and political trends. Welch’s portrayal of the near-future America is not a post-apocalyptic fantasy but a sober reflection on the potential consequences of inaction on climate change and the erosion of democratic principles.

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