This winter has certainly been one of the mildest we've seen in a long time. With only six days in February where the temperature was below freezing, there is no denying that it has been warmer than usual in Minnesota. Here are some reactions I'm sure a lot of us have been having to this nice weather.
1. "The sun feels so amazing!"
After going so long without feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, it feels so good to soak up the sun again. It may not be warm enough for tanning or lounging on the beach, but to feel the heat of the sun so early in the year is a miracle.
2. "This is definitely a result of global warming."
Even as we enjoy this uncharacteristically warm weather, the thought of what is really causing this lingers in the back (or forefront) of our minds.
3. "I can wear short sleeves again!"
Whether you've just worn a t-shirt or felt comfortable enough to rock shorts this early in the year, the temperature definitely allows us to do so.
4. "This is the warmest year on record."
Yeah, 2016 was the warmest year on record since humans began recording temperature in the 1880's.
5. "Wow! I don't have to bundle up before stepping outside!"
Not having to put on so many layers that your full range of motions isn't inhibited is a huge perk to the nice weather.
6. "Glacier National Park is going to disappear within two decades."
According to National Geographic, Glacier National Park will be gone by the year 2030. Or it could even disappear as early as 2020.
7. "The air doesn't hurt my face!"
There's nothing quite like stepping outside and the air not being so bitterly cold that it stings any exposed skin, especially the sensitive skin on your face.
8. "Hurricanes are going to get more intense."
With global warming increasing the temperature difference among climates, scientists are confident hurricanes will become more powerful.
9. "It's good to see grass again!"
After being buried beneath snow, seeing grass emerge is a sure sign of spring. Especially when some of that grass is already green.
10. "The average temperature of the Earth is increasing."
Over the last hundred years, the global average temperature has increased by 0.8 degrees Celsius (or 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit). While that number may not seem significant, it can have catastrophic consequences overtime.
11. "I can get iced coffees again!"
Because holding an iced coffee in the winter only makes your hands colder. Warm weather equals enjoying cold beverages over hot ones without any backlash of making you colder.
12. "The sea levels are rising."
Since 1870, the global sea level has risen about 8 inches. With the rate of sea levels increasing from .07 in the 20th century to now .12 inches, the average sea level could rise 3 feet in less than a hundred years.
13. "The ice is melting off the lake!"
The ice melting off the lake is a sure sign that summer is on its way. That means we're closer to swimming, boating, and other fun water sports.
14. "The ice caps are melting."
Both the Arctic and Antarctica are at record lows for their sea ice levels. Temperatures near the Arctic are a whole 36 degrees higher than average for this time of year.
15. "Flowers are coming!"
A lot of people's favorite part about spring and the warmer weather is the knowledge that flowers will be blooming soon, making our environment look and smell beautiful.
16. "Humans are destroying the environment."
Looking at all the evidence supporting that humans have a significant impact on climate change, it's hard to not understand and believe this to be true.
17. "If it's this warm now, summer will probably be really nice!"
Traveling South won't be necessary since this summer will probably be like living in the tropics if how warm our winter has been is anything to go by.
18. "The Earth is dying, and yet some people still deny global warming."
About 20% of Americans don't think there is enough evidence to support global warming. Yikes. By sharing information and the abundance of evidence for climate change, we can slow down the effects of it and preserve our Earth for generations to come.
