Tourism Tips for New England's Wacky Winter Weather
Monday, February 1, 2010
WESTFORD, Mass. - As the old saying goes in New England: if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change. And, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), wacky winter weather events are happening more often because of a changing climate. That means communities need to be prepared to keep people safe and adapt to tourism season shifts. Skiing, ice-fishing and other winter recreation help bring visitors and consistent revenue to the state, but the report's author, climate scientist Dr. Amanda Staudt, says that business is being upended because a changing climate means more snow more often in some areas, and less snow than traditionally expected in others.
"This more variable winter weather will have all sorts of impacts on our communities, on wildlife and nature, and on various outdoor recreation activities that we enjoy."
According to NASA, 2009 was the second-warmest year on record for the globe. Staudt says to keep in mind that global temperature increases don't mean winter will disappear in New Hampshire, but they do mean that climate-associated weather patterns will continue changing and there will be more extremes.
"Although, on average, the Northeast is getting fewer snow days, they're actually seeing an increase in the heaviest snowstorms. I mean, it's one region of the country where we have a really clear trend that were getting more of the really big snowstorms."
Staudt says communities need strong snow and ice removal systems and flood management plans, and they need to explore ways to safeguard wildlife and fish habitats in expectation of more unpredictable weather.
The report "Global Warming Bringing More Oddball Winter Weather" is at www.nwf.org
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…
Social Issues
Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …
Social Issues
Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …
Environment
New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…