Study: Average winter temperatures have risen by 4.8 ° C in just 30 years

Where did it get warmest?

Experts have found that winter is not only warmer than it was 50 years ago. Myself

the temperature rise process accelerates withgetting stronger every year. Changes occur most quickly in winter - much more actively than at any other time of the year. In the United States, a similar phenomenon is observed in 38 states. Most of them are located in the northeast of the country.

During the winter of 1969-1970 in Philadelphia, the average winter temperature was -1°C. However, in 2019 the average was +4.4 °C. 

In which states are the changes most noticeable?

• In Philadelphia, the average winter temperature has risen by nearly 4.8 ° C since 1970, and the number of abnormally warm days has risen to 19.
• In Atlantic City, New Jersey, winters warmed 4.3 ° C with 14 days warmer than normal.
• Allentown, Pennsylvania, warmed by 3.8 ° C, and 14 days were warmer than usual.

What data was used?

For the study, Climate Central experts used data from 242 US weather stations.

Scientists have calculated average temperatures and daysabove normal in December, January and February 1969-1970 and compared the same months up to 2019-2020. Overall, average winter temperatures increased most in the Great Lakes and Northeast regions, as did the number of days with above-normal temperatures.

Sean Sublett, meteorologist at Climate Central,said that the data for 50 years proves: the process of global warming and climate change has started, and for a long time. And it's not just about the United States. The expert notes that 150 years ago, the minimum winter temperatures throughout the northern part of the planet also increased. However, this did not happen at such a speed. Temperature readings are now growing exponentially.

The sun is now in a less active partits normal cycle. Lower temperatures are also observed during these periods. However, according to Sublett, temperatures are still rising, and scientists attribute this to climate change.

Consequences of rising temperatures in winter

Temperature changes have a serious impacton agriculture, the scientist notes. For example, fruit trees need to cool off in winter and bloom in time. Disruption of their life cycle can lead to disaster. Warmer winters are dangerous for all plants in general. They bloom prematurely in warm February and then freeze in early March. In addition, sometimes warming causes heavy snowfalls that lead to avalanches.

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