Weather Comparison

It has been proven and clear to many that 2020-2021 had been drastically different than the years before. Including the weather, it is undeniable that there has been more snow and colder days. In Joliet Illinois, in December 2019, the average high-temperature is 35.1°F  (1.7°C), and the average low-temperature is  25°F (-3.9°C). However, in Joliet Illinois, in December 2020 the average high-temperature is 32°F (0°C), and the average low-temperature 16°F (-8.9°C). As shown in the data last mentioned, there is in fact a drop in the current temperature than last year’s temperature.

Not only has it gotten colder in 2020-2021, unfortunately, there was a long wait for the cold to decrease. In Joliet Illinois, in February 2019, the average high temperature was 40°F, and the average low-temperature was to 26°F. Compared to Joliet Illinois, in February 2020-2021, the average high-temperature was 33.4°F (0.8°C0) and the average low-temperature was 20.7°F (-6.3°C). Once again, with the data that is provided, this year’s temperature was indeed more lower than last years. 

There has been more and constant snow than before. To the point where amber alerts announced to stay inside, since roads were risky and dangerous. Snow would reappear after shoveling and roads had become slippery and unsteady for cars to pass and access the average speed. Due to this many understood to drive at the safest capacity of speed and took their time. There have been many theories that 2021 would be very bad and cold with winter arriving. The U.S. 2020-2021 Winter broadcast called a possibility that there would be a wide-scaled blizzard in January 2021. Unfortunately, there were also heavy snow blizzards that covered the city in snow.

Of course, these changes have to do something with climate change. As stated and supported by the article, “2020 Was a Year of Climate Extremes. What Can We expect in 2021?” Due to an increasing level of heat-absorbing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, global average temperatures were over the preindustrial era. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA observed the links allying to climate change and extreme weather. Daniel Swain lastly stated,  “It’s a number that is describing really profound and vast changes in the climate system that we feel mostly through individual weather events and through extreme events.” His research and observations pointed at climate change in 2021.