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NOAA's latest climate projections show Michigan may have increased precipitation, more snowy winters

Adam Bouse
/
Unsplash

A new climate report may shed light on what Michigan’s weather may look like in coming years.

The report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) concludes the annual average temperature in the Great Lakes region is expected to exceed historic levels by mid-century under most emission projections.

The report also said there will likely be an increase in precipitation and its intensity, specifically in the spring and winter.

"That's a prime time for snow across our area. You know, with increases in precipitation, during those times of the year that would, you know,  likely correlate to increases in snow potential as well," said Dan Cornish, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gaylord.

The NOAA report concluded the combination of increasing temperatures and more intense precipitation in the winter may lengthen the growing season but also make crops more susceptible to a sporadic spring freeze.

Rick Brewer has been news director at WCMU since February 2024.