Happy spring!

No? Well, then, what exactly is going on with this crazy weather?

Last Thursday, we had a forecasted temperature of 60 degrees. Two days later, the area plummeted into the 30s. I watched my neighbor walk in summery sandals with her dogs one day and in snow boots the next.

Flowers are blooming in the Lehigh Valley. But I thought April showers brought May flowers.

Massive amounts of snowfall, thunderstorms, tornadoes, mudslides and other weather woes are hitting parts of the country where they’re not a typical happenstance.

In fact, last week, on the opposite coast, in Los Angeles County, Calif., a blizzard warning was issued - the first time since 1989. National news networks showed photos of snow on the Hollywood sign.

“One of the most visible consequences of a warming world,” according to the Center of Climate and Energy Solution, “is an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.”

Last month, NPR broadcast an interview with a climatologist, who answered some questions about causes of this winter’s unpredictable, unstable weather.

The host spoke of the “warmth in the Northeast, torrential rain in the West, more than a hundred tornadoes and relatively little snow” in our area of the country.

He asked the climatologist, “So how did January strike you?”

His response: “I would say March-like here in the mid-Atlantic states.”

Does that mean March will feel like May?

It seems we’re losing our defined seasons here in Pennsylvania.

Climate change has been long debated. Terms like La Nina, El Nino and global warming are often noted when drastic weather occurrences are making headlines.

The idea has been politicized, with comments made by our former president questioning the validity of statements made by scientists. Activists like Greta Thunberg continue their efforts to effect change. Thunberg, as a teenager, fought for change before heads of state at the United Nations, expressed her concerns during a meeting with the Pope and even exchanged words with then-President Donald Trump.

Whether or not you agree with the concept of climate change, it’s hard to deny that something is happening outside. No longer can we store away our sweaters in the spring, not to be seen again until fall. These days, our gloves may be needed for a September cold snap. We probably should keep our lightweight jackets handy in the event of a November heat wave.

And let’s not forget about our February flip-flops.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press