Pittsburgh experienced a significant winter storm this weekend, with nearly a foot of snow falling – just short of the record set during the “Snowmageddon” storm of 2010. Temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing for the remainder of the week.
The Paradox of Warming Winters
Despite the recent cold snap, experts note that winter is currently the fastest-warming season on the East Coast. Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder, stated, “Global warming has not stopped,” adding that variable weather patterns are always expected.
While cold snaps are becoming less frequent due to climate change, they are not disappearing entirely, according to Matt Barlow, a professor of climate science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He explained, “But that doesn’t mean there are none of them…Just because we’re getting fewer of them doesn’t mean that we’re done with winter completely.”
Intensifying Storms
Scientists believe that the largest winter storms, like the one that recently impacted a large portion of the U.S., may actually be growing more intense as a result of climate change. A warmer atmosphere can hold more water, increasing overall precipitation.
Barlow noted that “There’s more water coming down. If we likewise manage to get some old-fashioned cold, then you have the potential for more snow.” Scientists are also investigating whether climate change could indirectly amplify these storms by disrupting stratospheric circulation, potentially keeping them colder than they would otherwise be.
Serreze observed a broader trend: “what you’re seeing is less snow, more rain.” Barlow added that communities may be less prepared for these rare but intense events, particularly regarding budgeting for snow removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cold snaps and climate change contradictory?
No. Experts say that while climate change is causing cold snaps to become more rare, it doesn’t mean they are eliminated entirely. Variable weather patterns are always expected.
Could climate change actually lead to heavier snowfall?
Yes, in some cases. A warmer atmosphere holds more water, and if that water falls as snow due to cold temperatures, it can result in heavier snowfall.
What is happening to snowfall overall?
In general, snowfall is becoming more rare as warmer winters mean more precipitation falls as rain.
As winter weather patterns continue to evolve, how will communities balance preparedness for both increasingly rare and potentially more intense storms?
