Winters could be cut in half if current warming trends continue
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) — Winters are getting warmer, and experts say climate change is already changing what winter looks like.
Climate experts from the University of New Hampshire say from the 1960s through the 1980s, winters typically lasted about four months. They say if current trends continue, future winters could be cut in half.
Warmer winters mean less time on snow and ice, and the impacts go beyond recreation. Plants and animals that depend on consistent cold and snow cover are also being affected.
“In other words, you’re declining the length of the ski season, again, even with snowmaking, by about 50 percent if we continue to burn fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases. But if we move away from that and embrace clean technology, we could keep it above 100 days — and to me, that’s really optimistic,” said Dr. Elizabeth Burakowski, research associate professor at the University of New Hampshire.
When snowpack — the snow that stays on the ground — is thin, it affects ecosystems and wildlife. Thinner snowpack means soils are more likely to freeze, which can damage plant roots and hurt soil health.
As snowpack disappears, animals and rodents that live beneath it lose a natural shelter that helps keep temperatures stable and hides them from predators.
Local impacts extend beyond recreation
Warmer winters can affect local businesses, winter recreation, river ice, farming, and the severe weather season.
“We’ve seen severe weather starting to occur earlier and earlier each year. Last year, we saw a tornado in Wisconsin in January. Unheard of. One thing I think people are going to notice is if we do continue this warming trend, we will see severe weather season start earlier and earlier each year,” said Cyle Dickens, First Alert Meteorologist.
While warmer winters can reduce ice jams on the Mississippi, they can also allow pests to survive and lead to changes in soil conditions and water quality due to higher nitrate levels.
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