Although millions of people in the United States have faced a long and severe winter, with historic blizzards and record snow accumulations, a report from Climate Central reveals that the cold season is shortening in 80% of the major cities analyzed.
In 195 cities, winters are now nine days shorter than between 1970 and 1997. The study defined winter as the 90 consecutive coldest days of the year and compared the periods 1970-1997 and 1998-2025. The result: winter temperatures arrive later and end sooner.
Most Affected Regions
Cities in the Southeast, Northeast, Upper Midwest, and South of the United States have experienced the greatest reduction in winter days. In Alaska, Juneau and Anchorage recorded the most drastic decreases: 62 and 49 days less, respectively.
Paradoxically, the shortening of winters coincides with more violent storms. The recent nor’easter blizzard left more than 91 cm of snow in Rhode Island, surpassing the historic storm of 1978. According to Professor Mathew Barlow (University of Massachusetts Lowell), a shorter winter does not mean the absence of winter, but rather greater precipitation intensity as the climate warms.
Climatic Factors of the 2025-2026 Season
Extreme storms are explained by a combination of phenomena:
- La Niña: favored colder conditions in the North and Northwest Pacific.
- Polar vortex: allowed Arctic air to reach unaccustomed states, such as Texas and Louisiana.
- Bomb cyclones: the rapid drop in pressure generated intense storms in the Great Lakes and the Northeast.
- Gulf and Pacific moisture: warm, humid air intensified snowfalls and freezing rains.
- Climate change: trend towards more frequent and intense winter systems.
Human and Environmental Consequences
The impact has been historic, affecting more than 230 million people:
- Human losses: dozens of deaths from hypothermia, accidents, and physical exertion. The “Fern” system left more than 132 estimated victims.
- Paralyzed transportation: more than 7,000 flights canceled in a single event and massive highway closures.
- Collapsed infrastructure: blackouts left millions without electricity or heating.
- Economic impact: million-dollar losses due to disrupted logistics, snow removal, and suspension of activities.
- Environmental effects: risk of avalanches and subsequent flooding from melting snow.
Political Dimension
Amid these impacts, the EPA revoked the endangerment finding that allowed the regulation of pollution causing climate warming. Since 2009, this policy had limited emissions from vehicles and power plants. More than a dozen organizations sued the agency over this decision.
Winters in the United States are shortening, but storms are intensifying. This dual phenomenon reflects how climate change alters traditional patterns and generates increasing risks for health, the economy, and the environment. Scientific evidence underscores the need for strong mitigation and adaptation policies to face a future where winters will be less long but more dangerous.
