Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, has set an unprecedented record for the earliest arrival of 100-inch snowfall. A recent storm added nearly 17 inches to the city’s seasonal total, marking a significant climatic shift that scientists are linking to broader global warming trends.
The city’s previous record was set last year when 107.9 inches of snow fell, making this only the second time Anchorage has experienced back-to-back years of 100-plus inches of snow.
The snowfall began over the weekend, with nearly 16 more inches of snowfall recorded. This brought the city’s total to more than 100 inches, marking the earliest in the season that such a feat has been achieved. It transformed the city into a winter wonderland, disrupting daily life and posing potential safety risks.
This new record is an example of the changing weather patterns being experienced across the United States and the world. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), measurable changes across 54 indicators related to greenhouse gases, weather, and climate have been recorded.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the impacts of extreme climate events, such as this record snowfall in Anchorage, are costing the nation approximately $150 billion each year. With every increment of global warming, these costs and impacts are expected to rise.
Some scientists suggest that warmer temperatures could lead to increased moisture in the atmosphere, potentially resulting in heavier snowfalls. This theory appears to be supported by the record-breaking snowfall in Anchorage, which has been dubbed a ‘pandemic of snow’.
This event serves as a reminder of the urgent need for climate action. The U.S. government has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030. Achieving these targets will require a concerted effort from all sectors of society.
Image Source: Snow Forecast
