The findings of the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment, show that the Northeast has been warming at a rate of nearly 0.5 degrees F per decade since 1970, with winter temperatures rising faster, at a rate of 1.3 degrees F per decade since 1970. This warming correlates with the following climate changes across the region:

• More frequent days with temperatures above 90 degrees F
• A longer growing season
• Less winter precipitation falling as snow and more as rain
• Reduced snowpack and increased snow density
• Earlier breakup of winter ice on lakes and rivers
• Earlier spring snow melt resulting in earlier peak river flows
• Rising sea-surface temperatures and sea levels

(Source: “Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast: Science, Impacts, and Solutions”)

Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast: Science, Impacts, and Solutions ( July 2007), a report of the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment, projects climate impacts on New England over the next century. The projections are based on emissions choices we make today.

Click here to view October 9, 2007 powerpoint presentation on climate impacts by Gary Yohe (Wesleyan University and IPCC lead author) and Nancy Cole (Union of Concerned Scientists).

Learn how Connecticut is planning to adapt to a changing climate.