Blizzards Caused by Climate Change

Written by: Caroline Kim

December 31, 2022

This Christmas, winter storms on the east coast of the U.S. were quite powerful, causing major cancellations and delays for airlines and gatherings. However, I was surprised to see that the week following the storm and single digit temperatures would consist of temperatures in the mid fifties (degrees fahrenheit). So, how do these winter storms impact the environment and climate change on a global scale?

Some criteria include reduced visibility to a ¼ of a mile, extreme wind speeds of 35 mph or higher, and lasting conditions of 3+ hours (Criteria for Winter Storm Watches/Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories). These Blizzards form through freezing temperatures, moisture for precipitation, and the rising of moist air above cold air (Center for Science Education).

During these winter storms of high winds, low temperatures, snow, and ice, many plants including trees tend to die, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (Magher). This, we know, is a leading contributor to global warming. According to Magher, these damp conditions from snow and ice can cause an increase in fungi, which may benefit or harm the rest of the ecosystem; additionally, the potential flooding that may follow snowfall can greatly impact natural ecosystem functions (Magher). Naturally, an abnormal distribution of water in the water cycle can result in stronger storms and rainfall in the future.

The issue with this odd distribution of water and strong storms is that a positive feedback loop could be set into motion. According to National Geographic, “On average, winters are getting warmer and shorter, with fewer places experiencing extremely cold temperatures. However, because the warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, blizzards are more likely to occur and be more severe in places where temperatures are still cold enough for snow” (National Geographic Society). Some of this feedback and climate change can be attributed to arctic melt (a series previously posted on this blog).

Sources:

Criteria for Winter Storm Watches/Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories. https://www.weather.gov/media/meg/WinterStormCriteriaMEG.pdf.

“Center for Science Education.” Blizzards | Center for Science Education, https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/storms/blizzards#:~:text=Winds%20pull%20cold%20air%20toward,it%20flows%20up%20a%20mountainside.

Magher, Maria. “Do Blizzards Affect the Environment?” Education, 29 Sept. 2016, https://education.seattlepi.com/blizzards-affect-environment-6450.html.

National Geographic Society. “Maybe It's Cold Outside.” National Geographic Society, 2022, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/maybe-its-cold-outside.