With cold weather coming soon, many U.S. citizens are beginning preparation for the daily struggles of functioning that snowy weather brings. Interrupting many individuals’ typically easy routines, completely iced-over roads are often seen delaying traffic. In addition to this, people must heavily layer clothing simply to step into the cold outdoors for a few moments. Households run slightly differently, as families adapt their routines to the weather changes. People tend to stay indoors more with winter’s arrival. As a result of this, nationwide bills for energy rise tremendously due to the overwhelming use of heating systems. Typically, winter can be identified by its gloomy mood as well as its ability to limit transportation and impact common health levels. However, this year, these winter hardships may not come quite as expected.
Unlike past years, the 2024-2025 winter season may come as a shock to civilians. Likely caused by rising temperatures in autumn, the nation is likely to experience a less harsh winter with generally milder climates. With November concluding, many areas have noticed an unusual delay in the upcoming winter season – especially in cases for the Middle East and eastern portions of America. On the other hand, for some summer lovers, this might be a dream come true. Milder weather will decrease time-consuming inconveniences, such as dangerous roads and frozen windshields. However, the question is posed of whether they will simply be postponed, or essentially diminished in general. Although this can bring some seasonal benefits, it ultimately is the cause of many long-term problems.
Insisting that Americans shouldn’t rush to prepare for changing weather, Meteorologists claim that the aggression of the cold will be reduced. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) “predicts that winter 2024-2025 will bring wetter-than-average conditions for the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes states, with drier-than-average conditions expected from the Four Corners region of the Southwest to the Southeast, Gulf Coast and lower mid-Atlantic states.” Unfortunately, these patterns aren’t just a coincidence. They are part of a bigger global climate issue that has impacted multiple regions of life on Earth — not just temperatures. Moreover, as stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, El Niño is the naturally occurring warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. It is marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator. The 2023-2024 El Niño event is predicted to continue pushing warm air across the U.S. However, climate change hasn’t just made itself evident on Earth out of thin air. As a clear warning signal, winter temperatures have been gradually increasing throughout the past few decades, yet society hasn’t given it much attention until now.
As the winter season progresses, different positive impacts will become visible across the nation. Certain regions, such as tropical states, may experience the rather harsher effects of rising temperatures. For Midwestern and Northeastern states that are adapted to freezing temperatures, a warmer winter may alleviate the typical snowstorm concerns. As for certain regions, such as tropical states, may experience the rather harsher effects of rising temperatures.
Additionally, the number of families traveling by plane will likely increase due to lower numbers of flight delays or cancellations caused by severe weather. Another benefit of a mild winter is the lower probability for health implications — whether this includes weather-induced health conditions, such as asthma, or simply, fewer injuries due to fewer falls on ice.
In addition to this, efficiency benefits may be offered to those who own homes. As a result of less snow and cold, heating systems are not activated as regularly. This could ultimately mean lower energy bills for households, which is helpful since inflation is an ongoing issue in America. Adding onto this, public infrastructure, such as roads, will likely have fewer potholes and less city spending will be spent on salting icy pathways of transportation.
Unfortunately, all of these ‘benefits’ aren’t necessarily all that positive in terms of daily life for all. For instance, less snow could cause problems for areas that depend on snowmelt for their fresh water supply. Also, winter entertainment and sports industries may undergo a struggling business season since they won’t be able to rely on natural snowfall patterns. Lastly, the natural state of ecosystems is dependent on the changing of seasons to regulate adaptation for all living organisms. Sadly, this warmer winter can interrupt their natural behavior cycles, which may possibly lead to increasing death tolls in terms of nature.
While some Americans might feel excitement for a milder winter this year, the issue goes beyond simple “shifting of weather patterns.” Scientifically, a mild winter is not worth celebrating, as it’s just yet another confirmation of the horrifying rate at which climate change is advancing. Ultimately, the results of this winter season will paint a much bigger picture.
Although a winter without negative temperatures and excessive snowfall would likely improve some specific short-term issues, this winter season will ultimately paint a much bigger picture of what to expect for society’s future. As winter approaches, Americans will be forced to change typically difficult routines, which may be seen as a benefit. Ultimately, climate shifts negatively affect nearly all realms of life on the planet, which may open eyes from all around the world in regards to what is really going to happen to our Earth if humans don’t take accountability soon.
