Clearly, Vermont is not ground zero for most hurricanes, but we are seeing weather of our own that is changing due to climate change. These changes will damage our environment and cost our economy.
Vermont winters are already changing. We will continue to see more heavy, wet snows and ice storms that will increase the likelihood of power outages with each winter storm. An increase in the freeze-thaw cycle will confuse and damage existing eco-systems of Vermont's lakes, ponds and rivers. Eventually snow may be confined to the highest tops of the mountains making winter recreation a thing of the past. Strong winter storms like the one earlier this April that caused significant damage in Rutland may be linked as well. But it is not too late to save our winters.
As we saw this past January, mud season will not be confined to spring but will occur frequently through winter costing more money to maintain town roads and infrastructure. Higher global temperatures also mean more water vapor, eventually wiping out the conditions needed for maple sugaring. Thunderstorm frequency will likely go up, bringing earlier threats of severe weather. But it is not too late to save our springs.
Our summers will be marked by an increase in humidity and haze, with a higher incidence of thunderstorm activity that can often mean more frequent flooding. Thunderstorms will often include wind damage much like which just occurred recently in Burlington and Barre, and even the incidence of "tornadic thunderstorms" will rise. But it is not too late to save our summers.
Our fall foliage season will dull over time. Frosts associated with late September and October will be moved back into November and toward the holiday season in future years. But it is not too late to save our falls.
The good news is that if Vermont does its part to cut global warming pollution and provide an example for other states to follow, our future can and will be brighter. It is not too late, but we better get serious soon and passing strong global warming legislation is a good place to start.
Roger Hill is the weatherman for WDEV in Waterbury.
