Record and near-record breaking temperatures dominated the eastern two-thirds of the nation and contributed to the warmest March in the contiguous United States since records began in 1895. The average temperature was 8.6 degrees above the 20th century average for March. In the past 117 years, only one month (January 2006) has ever been so much warmer than its average temperature.
Winter 2011-2012 Recap
March 7, 2012
Climate Science 101: What is the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
February 15, 2012
Climate Science 101: Historical Perspectives on Climate Change
February 15, 2012
Climate Science 101: The State of the Climate in 2009
February 15, 2012
The Record-Breaking Texas Drought
February 14, 2012
Reviewing the Climate of 2011
February 13, 2012
Last year on Groundhog’s Day, large swaths of the country were covered in two feet of snow or more after a large storm pounded the eastern United States. This year, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his den on a balmy day after the third-least snowy January on record. A comparison of snowfall (or lack thereof) so far this season to last year's winter white-out shows what a difference a year makes.
Amid months of persistent heavy rains, some areas in Zimbabwe received their heaviest rainfall in 30 years during January, causing flooding and damage to crops.