Study pinpoints states with steepest warming trends since 1980
The findings indicate where adaptive measures are needed most around the United States.
A recent study has pinpointed the U.S. states with the most rapid warming trends since 1980. Reports suggest Alaska, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada are among the hardest hit, while Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Arkansas have shown the least warming. The study, published in Scientific Data, utilized climate data from MERRA2 and ERA5 covering the years 1980-2022.
Warming was most pronounced in summer and fall, especially in September and November. Alaska experienced the greatest temperature increase, with an average of 2.5°C monthly-averaged maximum daily temperature rise per degree of global warming. In contrast, Hawaii exhibited the smallest increase at 0.8°C. The researchers warn that without intervention, these trends are expected to persist due to ongoing global emissions.
They urge decision-makers to prioritize states with the steepest temperature increases, implementing adaptive measures to safeguard natural and managed resources, ecosystems, infrastructure, human health, and economic well-being.
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