In 91% Of 244 US Cities Surveyed, Cold Spells Shrank 1970-2015; On Average, 5 Days Shorter

[hatrack]

From breathtaking ice sculptures to the frozen pants challenge, people were buzzing around the polar outbreak in late January. But just five days later, few took notice when Chicago temperatures climbed to a record high minimum. With temperature swings of 70°F or more around the Midwest, concerns shifted to potholes and pipe bursts. These rapid thaws are yet another sign that winters are warming, as below-normal temperatures struggle to persist. This week, we find that human-caused climate change is making cold snaps shorter and rarer around the country.



Since 1970, the longest annual streak of below-normal winter temperatures has gotten shorter in nearly all cities analyzed. Winter cold streaks trended at least one day shorter in 91 percent of our 244 cities, while trending at least one day longer in just two percent of cities. The average trend across cities was a reduction of nearly five days, with 45 locations seeing their cold streaks shorten by at least a week. Cities around the country — including Las Vegas, Topeka, St. Louis, and Philadelphia — were among those seeing the cold fade the most quickly.

These trends are affecting national industries that depend on consistent cold. Below-freezing temperatures are a must for winter recreation — an industry that contributed more than $20 billion to the national economy in the 2015-2016 season. According to Climate Impact Lab, every state in the contiguous U.S. will see fewer days with snow-friendly lows by midcentury, leading to quicker melts and shorter winter sports seasons. In less snowy places, fruit trees are suffering with less regular chilling time.

EDIT

https://www.climatecentral.org/gallery/graphics/shorter-cold-spells

[zipplewrath]

1. It's true around here

Minute Maid left the state because of a series of freezes. 20 years later, a "hard freeze" is almost unheard of these days. Admittedly, we're only talking a difference of 10 or 15 degrees but none the less, summer comes earlier as well, and stays longer.

[dewsgirl]

2. I wonder if they surveyed Florida? I have lived here my whole life and I swear we

have at least 1/3 less cold days than we did even 20 years ago.

[mountain grammy]

3. Winter is winter

But anyone old enough and paying attention knows this is true.

[MuseRider]

4. Just a few miles South of Topeka

and it is really true and difficult.

This year we have finally had snow again, around 20 inches I think, measured before last night where the city got almost 4 more and we got probably around 6.

The swings we have are often like they say, many degrees. While this is nice from time to time it is difficult on everyone and everything. The potholes could house a few people it seems.

It is interesting watching how this impacts my crop and the rest of the farm including wildlife. Cold and very wet this year so far the ground is either frozen or mud that is over ankle deep. Getting ready to warm up enough for big rain this weekend. Yuck. Last year was so dry I had no birds, no bugs (ants, bees, wasps, beetles and not one mosquito) except ticks. I should probably start keeping track of all of this just for "fun".