As mentioned in a previous article, July of 2023 marked the hottest month in the history of humankind. Well, February of 2024 will be the warmest month of all winter.
Wait, warm winters? You think. Does that mean that I, a Chicagoan (or Bostonian or Ithacan, wherever the other cold winter warriors lodge), won’t have to spend $2000 a month escaping to Florida?
Well, not just yet. And before you revel in the record-breaking warm weather that the past two weeks have been, take a second to think what the world warming implies—a disruption of nature’s season cycles, an upsetting of plant growth and animal migration/hibernation patterns, and even bigger consequences for environmental sustainability.
In a data study done by Climate Central, 240 U.S. weather stations showed that warmer winters are especially affecting the Upper Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast–-the rise in warmest winter days was way higher compared to the average temperature distribution since 1970. The average number of warmer days also increased in 206 out of 240 stations.
So yes: warmer winters really do mean a decrease in snow days for students, less snow-stained boots in the house, no more need to triple-mop floors for shop owners, and only the occasional icy wind for all.
However, as Climate Central notes, the changes mean consequences will also impact the coming spring and summer. For example, while warmer winters are “decreasing [ing] home heating demand, [it] can be offset by longer, higher cooling demand during warm seasons.” Additionally, periods of consistent colds allow disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and ticks to thrive.
If nothing else, think about what no snow would mean for skiing, ice skating, snowmen building, Winter Olympics, and all those other activities you enjoy that only a cold winter can make possible. The time has long been due to start appreciating nature for its everyday presence and perseverance – and for us to act like it.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect nor represent the Earth Chronicles and its editorial board.
