The Gulf stream which originates in Mexico, exits through the the straight of Florida, and then follows the eastern coastlines along with Newfoundland before crossing through the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf Stream splits into two at about at approximately 30 degrees west and and 40 degrees North. The Northern stream crossing over to Northern Europe and the southern stream recirculating off the West coast of Africa. This Gulf stream can also change climate over different parts of the current as well.
The Gulf Stream has a pretty big impact of the climate throughout the east coast of North America. It influences the climate substantially from Florida to Newfoundland, along with the west coast of Europe. However, there is some speculation that global warming can decrease or possibly shutdown thermohaline circulation which would reduce the North Atlantic Drift. The time frame for this occurrence is not clear, but some estimates range from twenty to forty years, or 200-400 years. Again it is not clear. "This could trigger localised cooling in the North Atlantic and lead to cooling (or lesser warming) in that region, particularly affecting areas that are warmed by the North Atlantic Drift, such as Scandinavia and Great Britain" (Science Daily). The chances of this happening is also not clear.
website: http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/g/gulf_stream.htm
picture: http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlantic/img_topo1/gulf-stream2.jpg
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