"Since record keeping began in the late 1800s, there have never been so many spring temperature records broken, and by such a large margin.
Airports in fifteen different states have set all-time records for March warmth, which is truly extraordinary considering that the records were set in the middle of the month, instead of the end of the month.
...The duration, areal size, and intensity of the Summer in March, 2012 heat wave are simply off-scale, and the event ranks as one of North America's most extraordinary weather events in recorded history.
...Low temperatures beating previous high temperature records...
...Breaking all-time April records for warmth in March
...Breaking daily temperature records by more than 30°F
...Breaking daily temperature records nine consecutive days or more
...This has been a huge benefit to the economy--vastly reduced heating costs, no snow removal bills, and far fewer traffic accidents due to icy roads.
However, there is major downside to the "Summer in March, 2012" heat wave.
The growing season is now in full swing, five weeks early.
A damaging freeze that will severely impact the fruit industry and other sensitive plants is very likely.
...The exceptional March warmth has also melted all the snow in the northern U.S. and southern Canada, drying out the soils and setting the stage for a much warmer than average summer, and an increased chance of damaging drought conditions.
The early loss of snowpack will also likely cause very low flow rates in the major rivers in late summer and early fall, reducing the amount of water needed for irrigation of crops.
Low flows may also cause problems for navigation, limiting commercial barge traffic on Midwest rivers."
Jeff
No comments:
Post a Comment