logo
Meteorologist sounds the alarm over unexpected weather phenomenon: 'Less than typical'

Meteorologist sounds the alarm over unexpected weather phenomenon: 'Less than typical'

Yahoo24-02-2025

Chicago meteorologist Mike Caplan is concerned about the lack of snowfall the area is experiencing this winter.
According to Fox 32, Chicago is in the middle of a snow drought, having received only seven inches of snow since Dec. 1. Normal snowfall levels by this point in the meteorological winter would be closer to 20 inches. Though there is still time for more snow, this weather event is alarming.
As of Feb. 16, Chicago had "4.9 inches of snowfall at O'Hare International Airport compared with 6.7 inches which would be normal," per Fox 32, which added: "For the entire 'snow season' going back to last fall, we've measured 14.8 inches which is about 13 inches less than typical."
Even though a lack of snowfall can be considered an isolated weather incident, the overall likelihood of droughts in the northern hemisphere has increased, which scientists attribute to warming global temperatures.
Drought.gov says that parts of the western United States have become a snow drought "hotspot," meaning that such droughts have become longer and more intense.
The National Integrated Drought Information System outlines the impacts of snow drought. They are "widespread, affecting ecosystems, reservoir levels and operations, water resource management, tourism, and winter recreation."
Lack of snowfall also means there is less water for the drier summer months in a given region. This can be a challenge for drought planning, impacting agriculture and ecology.
There are steps we can take to mitigate the buildup of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere.
Swapping gas-powered appliances and equipment for electric options will make your home more eco-friendly and could lead to less energy consumption, thus lowering electric bills. You could also incorporate drought-resistant native plants into your garden to reduce water use.
Do you worry about air pollution in your town?
All the time
Often
Only sometimes
Never
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
If taking public transportation, riding a bike, or walking isn't an option, driving as efficiently as possible reduces pollution while also saving you money on gas.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Chicago weather: Mostly dry stretch ahead with near 90° highs today
Chicago weather: Mostly dry stretch ahead with near 90° highs today

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Chicago weather: Mostly dry stretch ahead with near 90° highs today

The Brief Rain chances remain low across the Chicago area through early next week, with most models showing little to no accumulation. Temperatures will stay warm, with highs reaching near 90 today and settling into the 80s through the weekend. A nearby front may bring isolated showers or storms, but most areas will stay dry heading into Flag Day and Father's Day. CHICAGO - To say that computer models are unimpressed with prospects for much rainfall in the next week would be an understatement. To give you an idea, the U.S. model known as the GFS shows anywhere from zero rain to about a 10th of an inch in Chicagoland. The European model shows anywhere from zero to about a half inch of rainfall through Monday night. The main message here is to stress that it will be mostly dry moving forward right on through the holiday weekend. That being said, there will be a front nearby which brings at least some risk of a shower or storm from time to time. What we know Today will likely be the warmest day in the next week with highs flirting with 90 degrees. The wild card will once again be the quantity of wildfire smoke in the sky, which at this point does not look to be great. This would favor the warmer solution. Tonight, any threat of thunderstorms looks to be confined to our far-northern communities. Tomorrow will continue to be very warm with highs generally in the mid 80s. However, there will be slightly cooler temperatures near the lake and in our far-north communities. There is only a small chance of a pop-up shower during the afternoon. A similar temperature regime is likely on Friday. Over the weekend there is only a small chance of showers and thunderstorms for Flag Day and then Father's Day on Sunday. Highs will range from the 70s near the lake and far north to 80s city and in our southern counties. The Source The information in this report came from FOX 32 Meteorologist Mike Caplan.

Chicago weather: Chance of late afternoon showers, storms as air quality improves
Chicago weather: Chance of late afternoon showers, storms as air quality improves

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Yahoo

Chicago weather: Chance of late afternoon showers, storms as air quality improves

CHICAGO - It's shaping up to be a decent weather Sunday as the air quality continues to improve, but there is a chance of showers later on. Fox 32 Meteorologist Mark Strehl has the forecast. What To Expect There was still a bit of haze in the air, which the Chicago area will likely still have to deal with over the next few days, if not longer, with those Canadian forest fires continuing. Still, there were no air quality alerts in the Chicagoland area on Sunday. Temperatures were reaching the upper 70s with partly cloudy conditions until around midday today. But by around 5 p.m., there will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms with the possibility of brief gusty winds and maybe even some hail. What's next Rain chances remain into Monday, but then temps will stay warm throughout the week. By Wednesday into Thursday, we're talking temperatures highs into the middle 80s with a true taste of summer.

Chicago weather: Weekend showers possible with sunshine returning midweek
Chicago weather: Weekend showers possible with sunshine returning midweek

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Yahoo

Chicago weather: Weekend showers possible with sunshine returning midweek

The Brief A weak cold front is expected to bring light showers and possible thunderstorms to Chicago late Saturday into early Sunday. Despite the chance for rain, much of the weekend will remain dry with hazy skies from wildfire smoke. Warmer, sunnier weather is expected midweek, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s by Wednesday and Thursday. CHICAGO - After a pleasant Saturday, some late-night showers are expected to move through the Chicago area, though the weekend will not be a total washout. What we know A weakening line of showers tied to an advancing cold front is expected to pass over the region late Saturday into early Sunday morning. There's also a slight chance of thunder and gusty winds, though the system is losing strength as it approaches the city. Hazy skies caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada may obscure some sunshine early Sunday, but it is expected to be a partly sunny start to the day. More clouds are expected to roll in by the afternoon, bringing a 55 percent chance of late-day showers or thunderstorms. Sunday's high will reach around 78 degrees, with overnight lows near 58 degrees. Rain may linger into Monday morning, but the chance of precipitation drops to 40 percent. The forecast improves by midweek, with sunny skies and highs climbing into the mid-80s by Wednesday and Thursday. The Source The information in this report came from FOX 32 Meteorologist Mark Strehl.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store