Shorter winters threaten water, farming, and health systems
1 Video View·Feb 13, 2026
The winter season is starting later and ending earlier in cities across the United States, with the coldest time of the year shrinking by an average of nine days.
Like the past few winters, we've seen a lot more snow and chilly temperatures this year.
Yes, we have. 22 News Storm Team Meteorologist Adam Tremko working for you with why the winter season is getting shorter despite the wintry conditions this year.
Well, Nick and Ciara, the winter season is starting later and ending earlier in many cities across the country.
According to Climate Central, winters are getting shorter in 195 of the 245 or 80 percent of the cities they analyzed.
They found on average that the coldest time of year is now nine days shorter than it was during 1970 to 1997.
That is also what the data show for us in the Springfield area.
Shorter and warmer winters don't only affect winter recreation.
Their impacts can be felt throughout the year.
Reduced snowpack can threaten water supplies in the West.
Snow drought can increase the wildfire risk and warmer winters disrupt things like agriculture, health and even allergy seasons.
Shorter winters were especially found in cities in the Southeast, Upper Midwest and here in the Northeast.