The US has seen its warmest winter on record based on data revealed last Friday. This record-warm winter serves as the latest sign that the world is on a trajectory towards the devastating effects of climate change.

Warmest Winter in the US

From December 2023 up until February 2024, the average temperatures in the lower 48 states of the US was at 37.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 3.1 degrees Celsius. This is the highest level in a record that traces back to the 80s.

The second-warmest winter was in 2016, with an average temperature of 36.8F. As for the coldest winter on record, average temperatures reached 26.6F. This was in 1979.

Eight US states across the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest witnessed their record-warm winters. This was partially boosted by the weather pattern of the El Nino.

Five out of the 10 record-warm winters in the US have taken place in the last two decades. Winter has also become the fastest-warming season for almost 75% of the whole country.

Over two dozen states also experienced one of their 10 record-warm winters. For several cities across the US' northern half, it was also one of the 10 record-warm winters.

As for New York City and Philadelphia, despite the end of a years-long snowless period, snow was still in deficit this winter. This marked Philadelphia's sixth-warmest winter, and New York City's fourth-warmest one.

ALSO READ: February 2024 Marks Record High Global Temperatures, Further Indicating Climate Change Impact

Impacts of Snow and Ice Deficits

Due to this record warmth, vast areas of the US were left without the usual amounts of ice and snow. It fuels devastating drought across the Midwest and disrupts economies.

Governor Tim Walz from Minnesota announced on Thursday that the state had to opt for federal funding to aid businesses affected by reduced snow, from snowshoeing to skiing to winter festivals.

As for the Great Lakes, persistent warmth led to consistent ice coverage decrease throughout the Great Lakes. Levels were able to reach a record-low 2.7% coverage on February 11, which is when ice coverage is usually at its highest.

Scientist Bryan Mroczka from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shares that a threshold for historic low ice coverage across the whole Great Lakes has been crossed.

Ice absence affects different things, from businesses that depend on outdoor sports to fish that utilize ice to guard themselves against predators. It also increases the susceptibility of the shoreline towards erosion, boosting possible damage due to coastal infrastructure.

Odd warmth and significant deficits in snowfall are also worsening the conditions of drought across areas in the Midwest. Severe drought reached areas of Michigan and Wisconsin, and extreme drought went up in Iowa.

The insufficiency of cold air also broke the chances of having expansive and prolonged ice coverage throughout the Great Lakes.

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