Our Changing Weather Conditions Submitted by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee

                                        Our Changing Weather Conditions

Submitted by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee

Data from several meteorological sources indicate that 2011-2020 was the warmest decade recorded. The ocean’s waters act as a “heat sink,” and those warmer waters influence air temperatures and spawn a greater number and increased intensity of storms across the Northeast.  We will generally see more extreme precipitation, heat waves, and warmer winters with heavier snow. In the Berkshires, we should be watchful for health risks from:

Storm-related flooding and damages

Days where temperatures exceed 90°F, a risk for those with medical conditions

Number of days where allergens can bloom, aggravating asthma and other lung diseases

Numbers of ticks and mosquitos

Algae blooms on lakes & ponds

NOAA has documented that extreme or heavy precipitation events have grown more frequent since the start of the 20th century, and such events are likely to become even more frequent over the 21st century.  These extreme events have increased 55% in the Northeast between 1958-2012.  And that time period included a nine-year drought from 1961-1969, the worst drought of record for this region!  So, the 55% increase may underestimate the extreme rainstorm trend for this time period and the future.

These kinds of heavy rainstorms can flood and undermine roads as streams and rivers burst out of their channels and overwhelm culverts and bridges. These photos illustrate the kind of road damages that can occur when this happens (photos from Washington and Becket).  Summer is currently the season when extreme precipitation events are most likely to occur, and as spring and fall temperatures increase, the seasonal risk of extreme events is also extended.

We are still seeking information!  If you haven’t already, please fill out a short survey for us!  This online survey will only take a few minutes and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PeruHM  Paper copies can be found at Peru Town Hall and the Transfer Station through May 23rd.  Your answers about past and recent storm occurrences will help us document storm events that have impacted Peru residents.