Spring Temperature Whiplash Is Getting Worse With Climate Change
Abrupt jumps from chilly to warm and back again are typical of the season but becoming more extreme in a warming world.
Dramatic temperature jumps marked this March and April in the US Northeast, making it hard to know what to dress for: chilly or sweltering conditions? Researchers have concluded that wild temperature swings are becoming more common as the world heats up.
That’s changing how we experience spring, with plants blooming sooner and consumers rushing to buy more warm-weather goods earlier in the year…
More fans, less fleece
The wild swings show up not just in thermometer readings but in retail data. Demand for weather-sensitive items like air conditioners, fans and barbecue grills has surged early this year, says Evan Gold, executive vice president of global partnerships and alliances at Planalytics, a weather-focused analytics company.
“There’s more volatility today,” Gold said. “We see it in the data.”
Spring Swings
Volatile weather in March and April has affected demand for seasonal items
