Climate

Extreme weather fluctuations jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of people in the Midwest region.

A dry winter, El Niño and the warmest winter temperatures on record are contributing to ongoing dry conditions across the Midwest.

Tuesday was the warmest Feb. 27 in St. Louis’ recorded history.

As snowfall in the upper Midwest melts with rising temperatures, it will bleed into parched waterways in Iowa and beyond, helping restore stream flows decimated by drought. But, could also carry the risk of flooding downstream.

The fifth National Climate Assessment says a warming climate, increasingly extreme weather and drought are threatening the Midwest’s economy and health.

Meteorologists and climatologists often have a tough job explaining climate change to the public, especially in places where audiences may be more skeptical of the science. In the Midwest and Great Plains, strong resistance has pushed some out of the field.

“What we really need is a cold, wet and snowy winter to help recharge this river,” said one climatologist.

St. Louis will be among the five metro areas most impacted by an “extreme heat belt” projected to emerge across the central U.S. in the next 30 years, according to a study published last summer.

There isn’t a specific path for the state’s vision of zeroing out carbon emissions by 2050 and ensuring areas overburdened by past pollution fully benefit from the growing green economy.

Teenagers and young adults have experienced record-breaking temperatures for much of their lives. Frustrated with the slow pace of progress among their parents’ generation, some young Missourians are taking action in their communities.