health
February 28, 2026
Winter getting shorter in 80% of major US cities, new data shows
Researchers find that across 195 US cities, winters are on average nine days shorter than they were in 1970-1997
TL;DR
- Winter is on average nine days shorter in 195 US cities today compared to 1970-1997.
- This trend is observed in 80% of major US cities, with the most significant decreases in the South-east, North-east, Upper Midwest, and South.
- Alaska's Juneau and Anchorage have seen the largest winter shrinkages.
- Approximately 15% of cities analyzed experienced longer winters, particularly along the California coast and in the Ohio Valley.
- Despite shorter winters, extreme weather events like recent blizzards can still occur, and global warming may paradoxically contribute to extreme cold by affecting the polar vortex.
- Shorter winters have consequences like reduced water supply, decreased crop yields, worsening allergy seasons, and challenges for the winter recreation industry.
- Some politicians have used recent cold spells to question global warming, despite scientific consensus and data showing long-term warming trends.
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