Record-breaking snowstorm exemplifies changing climate
When thinking about the effects of climate change, most will immediately think of global warming. However, the impact of climate change goes beyond the scope of increased temperatures alone. Scientists have observed that climate change also results in changing weather patterns, such as in wind or precipitation. One recent event that exemplifies the ramifications of climate change is the snowstorm on Jan. 29, in which record-breaking snowfall across the Northeast showed these climate abnormalities. The highest snowfall in some of the states in the Northeast includes 24.1 inches in Islip, NY, 24 inches in Bridgewater, MA, 21.5 inches in Groton, CT, and 21 inches in Bayville, NJ.
According to the National Weather Service’s station in Islip, which collects data on New York City and surrounding counties, the amount of snow that fell on Jan. 29 was 0.2 inches off of setting a record for snowfall in a day. Additionally, data from this station shows that four of the five largest snow events have occurred since 2010. Snow patterns are changing, and this event is just further evidence of this trend.
This record-breaking event was just one of many that occurred that have made it clear that weather conditions are changing. For example, Baltimore set its record in 2016, Albany saw its third-largest storm in 2020, and Philadelphia saw its second-largest storm in 2009. Many other additional counties also saw near-record or record snowfall.
One explanation for the severity of the storm is a process known as bombogenesis. This occurs when the warm and cold air of the sea mix, causing a drop in atmospheric pressure. This change in pressure leads to the intensification of the storm. Although global warming is not associated with more snowfall, the warming of the planet leads to higher rates of evaporation. The added moisture and water to the atmosphere, then, increases precipitation, which can be found in the form of record snowfalls. This event stands to be a reminder that not all climate change can be seen through temperature values and can be found in other measurements.
~ Ryan Mark ’25
