The thermometer doesn’t lie: Vermont’s annual temperature is rising.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The 0.5° F per decade increase has been on course for over five decades. This seemingly small climb has surprisingly large effects on Vermont’s extreme weather events, growing season, and native ecosystems.
Climate change trends also emerge from the timing of our five hottest – and five coldest - years since 1960. Record high average temperatures have peaked in years since 1989, but record average lows all occurred before 1980.
The complete temperature record for the state goes back to 1895. From 1895 to 2015, the average annual temperature increased 2.6° F, or 0.2° F per decade. For more data on Vermont’s climate, visit Climate at a Glance hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.