What is the forecast for the future of New England's weather?
New England is already experiencing changes that are consistent with global warming: rising temperatures, decreasing snow cover, and earlier springs. With these changes, we can also expect more extreme weather: more summer days above 100°F, more damaging nor'easters, and more seasonal droughts. Scientists also predict a 10 percent increase in precipitation in the next 50 years, including fewer, more intense rain events and more winter rainstorms.
Weathering the Storms
New England weather is notoriously fickle. Mark Twain once said, "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes." With weather promising to become even more unpredictable as a result of climate change, New Englanders will face new challenges: shorter ski seasons, longer growing seasons, stronger storms, increased heat-related health risks, flooding, and drought.
Scientists need more observational data to find out how New England's weather will be affected by climate change. Check out these citizen science projects for some ideas about how you can help track precipitation, temperature, storms, and other weather-related phenomena in New England.
Get Involved
Citizen Weather Observer Program Share your weather data with other citizen observers, weather services, universities, and government agencies.
CoCoRaHS Measure rain, hail or snow fall amounts as a member of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.
National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program Measure daily temperatures and precipitation totals to help scientists learn about floods, droughts, heat & cold waves, and long-term climate changes.
SKYWARN Help keep your community safe by reporting severe weather to the National Weather Service.
Learn More
Want to learn more about the impacts of climate change on New England’s weather? Check out these resources.