· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: December snowfall in Washington, D.C., has significantly declined in recent years, with only 0.5 inches accumulating over the past six Decembers combined
• This is well below the 1991-2020 average of 1.7 inches per December
• If this December remains snowless, it will mark the least snowy seven-year stretch of Decembers on record for the District
🔭 The context: Historically, D.C.'s average December temperature was in the mid-30s Fahrenheit in the late 1800s
• In recent decades, it has risen to the low 40s, reducing the likelihood of snowfall
• This warming trend has also delayed the season's first measurable snowfall from mid-December to early January
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The decrease in December snowfall in D.C. reflects broader climate change impacts, including rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns
• These changes can disrupt ecosystems, water resources, and local economies dependent on seasonal weather patterns
⏭️ What's next: Climate projections suggest that without significant mitigation efforts, winter temperatures will continue to rise, further diminishing snowfall in the region
• This trend underscores the urgency for comprehensive climate action to address and adapt to ongoing environmental changes
💬 One quote: "Climate change seems to be melting away the city’s snow chances." — The Washington Post
📈 One stat: D.C.'s average December snowfall has decreased from about 4 inches in the late 1800s and early 1900s to less than 2 inches in recent decades
Click for more news covering the latest on climate change
