Climate Central: A Science & News Organization

Fewer Cold Nights & Groundhog Day

Climate Central prepares for Groundhog Day and finds that the number of cold nights each year is declining for most of the country.

Winter’s Coldest Time

For much of the country, winter is entering its coldest stretch. But climate change means our coldest days have been getting warmer—a trend which has consequences for winter recreation, pests, and agriculture.

2020 in Review: Global Temperature Rankings

The global temperature data is in and signs of climate change could not be clearer—2020 was one of the two warmest years on record.

Our Programs

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Program on Sea Level Rise

Search by city, state or zip code to track the risk of flooding in your area.

Climate Matters

Climate Matters provides meteorologists with data & graphics on local weather events and their link to climate change.

Partnerships Journalism

Guided by data and science, our journalists collaborate with local newsrooms on compelling climate change coverage.

Climate Matters Highlights

Winter Package

Although cold weather still exists in a warming climate, the winter season has warmed across most of the U.S. since 1970—which has negative consequences.

Vulnerability to Drought

A recent study scored U.S. states on their overall vulnerability to drought, as being driven by three factors: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity

Expert Insight: Americans want more climate coverage

Over the past five years, Americans have become much more concerned about climate change, and they want more reporting from us on local impacts and solutions.

2020 Stronger Hurricanes

Warming Atlantic ocean waters are adding fuel to tropical systems, giving a boost to stronger, more rapidly-intensifying hurricanes.

Worsening Western Wildfires

Climate change is increasing the risk of larger, more intense wildfires, as warmer and drier conditions allow fire to spread faster and farther, creating dangerous conditions for residents and emergency services.

New Webinar Recording

Rapid Response Workshop: Hurricane Season - Impacts

The intensity of the historic 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been fueled by warmer surface temperatures in the ocean, in part because of the heating effects of climate changing pollution. Meanwhile, hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery are being complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.