Those worried about global warming need look no farther than Westchester for evidence. Weather statistics are about looking at the big picture: while the occasional storm may snare the headlines, it’s the general developments that are important. By those standards, climate change has come to Westchester’s doorstep in a big way.
SHORTER FROSTS
From 1951-1980 No. of times first frost occurred as late as November: 2
From 1981-2008 No. of times first frost occurred as late as November: 9
From 1951-1980 No. of times last frost occurred as late as May: 18
From 1981-2008 No. of times last frost occurred as late as May: 0
FROST-FREE SEASONS
Years when more than 200 days were frost-free: 10, all since 1968, including the last four consecutive years
THE “SNOW LINE”
Where rainstorms become snowstorms in Westchester County: Pre-1980: Hawthorne 2008: Pleasantville (more than three miles north)
WARMER WINTERS
Six of the 10 warmest Februarys in Westchester since 1888 have occurred since 1991
Source: Jerome S Thaler, author of Weather History and Climate Guide to the Lower Hudson Valley (George Candreva Environmental Center, Ossining)