Climate MattersNovember 13, 2024

2024 Winter Package

KEY CONCEPTS

Winter is warming in 235 U.S. cities

Climate Central analyzed winter average temperature data from 241 U.S. locations (see Methodology) to see how and where winters have warmed from 1970 to 2024:

2024 winter warming map
Click the downloadable graphic: Winter Warming Map

More warmer-than-normal winter days

The warming season is also reflected in the growing number of winter days that are warmer than the 1991-2020 winter normal temperature for that location. 

Find county-level analysis showing how much average winter (December-February) temperatures (°F) have changed across the contiguous U.S from 1970-2024.

Winter is warming — fast. 

There are still freezing nights in a warming world — but fewer of them

There are still cold streaks in a warming world — but shorter ones

There are still extremely cold days in a warming world — but not as cold

Winter warming affects …

CM: La Niña U.S. Impacts 2023 (EN)
Click the downloadable graphic: La Niña U.S. Impacts

Winter outlook

LOCAL STORY ANGLES

Winter storm severity and impacts:

According to Climate Central analysis, nearly one-quarter (23%) of the 1,755 weather-related power outages between 2000-2023 were caused by winter weather

NOAA offers interactive tools to track the potential disruptions and hazards due to severe winter weather. NOAA’s new Experimental Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index maps the likelihood of different local impacts from expected winter hazards over a 7-day period. The companion Winter Storm Severity Index maps the potential severity of winter storms over a 3-day period. 

Tools for reporting on local winter weather: 

Warmer temperatures can make winter storms more hazardous, with sleet and freezing rain. Criteria for winter storm watches, advisories, and warnings can vary by region so check with your local National Weather Service office. The NWS also provides helpful information on how to stay safe in winter conditions, wind chill charts, and an explanation of the polar vortex. The National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Desk provides twice-daily local forecasts for snow and freezing rain.

FIND EXPERTS

Submit a request to SciLine from the American Association for the Advancement of Science or to the Climate Data Concierge from Columbia University. These free services rapidly connect journalists to relevant scientific experts. 

Browse maps of climate experts and services at regional NOAA, USDA, and Department of the Interior offices.  

Explore databases such as 500 Women Scientists, BIPOC Climate and Energy Justice PhDs, and Diverse Sources to find and amplify diverse expert voices. 

Reach out to your State Climate Office or the nearest Land-Grant University to connect with scientists, educators, and extension staff in your local area. 

METHODOLOGY

Average temperatures and days above normal were calculated for each winter (December, January, February) from 1969-70 to 2023-24 using data obtained from the Applied Climate Information System. Winter days above normal are defined as the number of days where the average temperature was above the 1991-2020 NOAA/NCEI climate normal. 

Climate Central's local analyses include 247 stations. For reported data summaries based on linear trends, however, only 241 stations are included due to data completeness measures that were not met by six stations: Bend, Ore.; Dothan, Ala.; Hattiesburg, Miss., Hazard, Ky; Panama City, Fla.; and Wheeling, W.Va.