41 U.S. States Show Warming Trends Over Seven Decades
A recent study published in PLOS Climate has revealed that 41 out of 48 contiguous U.S. states have experienced warming trends since the mid-20th century. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Spanish universities who analyzed tens of thousands of daily temperature readings dating back to 1950. The research underscores the significance of regional variability in temperature changes across the United States.
The study highlights that while the majority of states exhibited a clear warming trend, a 'warming hole' was identified in seven states: Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, and Arkansas. In these states, no significant warming was detected, which presents an interesting anomaly that requires further investigation. According to NOAA, potential factors contributing to this lack of warming include increased aerosol concentrations, which can reflect sunlight and cool the surface, as well as changes in land use patterns that can affect local temperatures.
One of the key points...