Change in Daily Weather

Climate change is increasing the number of extreme heat days in the Northeast US, with the Star-Spangled Banner Trail projected to experience far more than ever before.

EPA

Rising Temperatures/Increasing Precipitation

The Star-Spangled Banner Trail is no exception to the global warming trend. Since 1950 air temperature on the Star-Spangled Banner Trail have increased by 1.86°F and is projected to continue rising to 5-8.8°F by 2100. In the same time frame precipitation has increased by 6.6% and is projected to continue rising to a 10-14% increase in precipitation by 2100. Source

These changes will not only have an impact on the environment and species of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail [link to Changes in Wildlife page] but will also impact visitor experience, significantly increasing the number of days dominated by heat, storms and humidity. Be sure to check heat and weather conditions before venturing onto the trail, and come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks!

 

Changing climate often results in changing weather patterns, including more frequent, unpredictable and severe events like storms, droughts and heat waves. But single weather events are not necessarily reflective of changes in climate.

NOAA

Is climate different than weather?

Yes! Although the two are linked they refer to very different things.Weather refers to short-term events in a localized area (a storm that lasts a few days), while climate refers to long-term patterns over a large geographic area (a rainy season that lasts months and occurs regularly every year). If climate is all the clothes in your wardrobe, then weather is the outfit you might wear on any given day.