The famous song “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” rings through every Walmart, mall and department store, but where is all the snow?
This holiday season the average temperature has been in the 50’s and 60’s in a majority of the United States and in the Tri-State area may possibly break the record breaking 74 degrees. Therefore, it is no surprise that men and women are walking around in short sleeves, shorts, an occasional peep- toe shoe and soaking up the beautiful sun. But, is this warm weather a blessing, or a sign of the ever increasing negative effects of climate change.
According to CNN Senior Meteorologist, Brandon Miller , “unseasonably mild temperatures are spreading over the eastern half of the country and about 75% of the U.S. population will see the temperature climb over 60°F by the end of the weekend, hardly a winter wonderland.”
This holiday season it is reported by CNN that it is “warmer than normal across the north, colder than normal across that south, and wetter than normal across the southwest”, labeling this an El Niño pattern. As said by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration there have been much indication that this El Niño tropical weather event is one of the strongest on record, bringing in warmer than average temperatures to the majority of the United States.
In past reports, by November 8th snow is at least hinted once, but recent forecasts has snow nowhere in sight for the East Coast. Luckily this absence of snow is saving many shoppers money, but also upsetting countless retail CEOs because of the lack of coat, boot, and winter clothing purchases.
Furthermore, the deputy director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, Mike Halpert, says the “unseasonably warm weather is due to an “arctic oscillation,” which traps cold air in the Arctic. An unusually strong El Niño, a climate event which causes ocean temperatures to rise, is also responsible.”
NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center
This December, record setting warm winter, has broken 142 year old temperature records for this time of the year and despite the norm, global warming for once is not the primary factor to blame!
This climate turning point is said to also carry on into 2016 and to lead to more unexpected weather shifts. As said by Nick Visser from Mother Jones, “Some meteorologists have warned the Arctic Oscillation could slip as winter carries on, leading to a sudden downturn in temperatures.”
Despite, the lack of snow this winter remain in the Christmas spirit and be of good cheer. As seen in past years, snow showers always have an element of surprise circling Christmas time. So there always is some hope for snow. Whatever the weather, stay jolly as you bring in the new year and celebrate another wonderful Christmas.
