A FLAKY FUTURE FOR SOME IN THE MIDWEST...

I ran across an analysis of long-term snowfall trends that finds that snowfall has been decreasing across much of the United States in the spring and fall (“shoulder seasons”) Results from 145 locations show that 116 stations (80%) had decreased snowfall before December, and 96 stations (66%) had decreased snowfall after March 1. Winter snow trends however, were more of a mixed record—with more snow in northern locations and less snow in southern regions of the U.S.

Here's a more specific break-down of city snowfall trends before December. Blue dots represent an increasing trend while pink indicates a decrease. Overall, an 80 percent decrease across the US.

City snow trends after March 1st show a 66 percent decrease.

Winter December 1st-March 1st, actually shows 54 percent of cities increasing their snowfall with the greatest focus across the northern third of the country.

Here's a few select city trends from around my region.

Waterloo

Dubuque