It’s Official: 2012 is Hottest U.S. Year on Record
A snapshot of how 2012 stacks up against the five other warmest years ever recorded in the U.S.
Autumn is on the Move
If it seems like autumn leaves are taking longer to change color, you’re not imagining things. Over the past 25 years, the onset of autumn has shifted.
Lightning-Caused Wildfires
As the graphic shows, people cause most wildfires. But lightning-ignited fires burn by far the most territory.
Spring Comes Early Across the U.S.
The Lower 48 as a whole had an average shift of “first leaf†from March 20 (1951-1980 average) to March 17 now (1981-2010 average) – approximately 3 days earlier.
Warming Winters in the U.S.
A graphical look at the way winters have changed in the United States between 1895 and 2010.
Plants and Climate Change
A visual look at six plant species that are already being affected by climate change.
Global Surface Temperature Anomalies
Different groups of scientists use different methods to track global surface temperatures, but the data shows the same warming trend.
Drought and Climate in the American West
Lake Mead is at a record low level, a stark symbol of increased water demand and a stubborn drought in the West. Will conditions persist and the reservoir sink farther? Scientist David McGee reveals how he looks for the answers by studying past dry spells.
