Northern Hemisphere experiencing significant losses in spring snow cover

Data from the Rutgers University Snow Lab indicates that the extent of Northern Hemisphere snow cover during the spring months has been in steady decline over the past 20 to 30 years.

Only one year between 2005 and 2023 experienced above-normal snow cover extent in the Northern Hemisphere during the April to June period.

The greatest losses of snow cover extent were across Alaska and northern Siberia.

While a vast majority of the Northern Hemisphere has experienced a long-term loss of snow cover extent, regions such as the northern U.S. Plains and Upper Midwest saw gains, which may be due in part to an increase in more moisture-laden storms and high latitude blocking patterns, which can prolong late-season cold waves across the region during the spring.

According to the report, the month of June saw the highest loss of snow cover extent with a decrease of 12.95 percent per decade. May has experienced a loss of 4.1 percent, while April came in with a decrease of 1.32 percent.

The loss of snow cover during the spring can have major impacts. Exposed darker surfaces promote a quicker spring warmup as more heat is absorbed by the ground. This can lead to an accelerated loss of permafrost and reduced runoff into rivers and streams during the summer months. Loss of snow pack earlier in the spring allows the ground to dry up more quickly, potentially leading to an earlier start to the wildfire season.

Report a Typo