Where's the snow? Climate specialist weighs in

Alaska is experiencing an unusually low snowfall this winter, discussed by Rick Thoman, an Alaska Climate Specialist, who highlights broader climate trends such as warming and increased precipitation.

Comment from Gemini:

Several related observations highlight the unusual lack of snow and warmer temperatures across Alaska this winter, impacting various communities and events. Reports from Anchorage detail a poor snow season affecting skiers and snowboarders, while the Iditarod and Kuskokwim 300 sled dog races face potential route changes and delays due to low snow and warm temperatures. In Nome specifically, observations document a snowless Christmas, record high December temperatures (Nome breaks record for highest temperature set in December. KNOM Radio. (2024, December 21). https://www.knom.org/2024/12/21/nome-breaks-record-for-highest-temperature-set-in-december/ ), and disruptions caused by icy conditions resulting from rain freezing on the ground (Ice causes cancellations and delays in Nome. KNOM Radio. (2024, December 10). https://www.knom.org/2024/12/10/ice-causes-cancellations-and-delays-in-nome/ ). These local observations mirror statewide trends outlined in a report by the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, which notes increasing extreme weather events, such as landslides in Southeast Alaska and heavy snowfall events in Anchorage. Lastly, a March 2023 observation from Nome describes a similar weather event of snow, wind, and rain causing flight cancellations and record precipitation, attributed to climate change. This current interview with Rick Thoman provides valuable expert context to these ongoing events, emphasizing the link between long-term warming trends, changing precipitation patterns, and reduced sea ice, all contributing to the unusual winter conditions observed across Alaska.