The news is in: 2023 was Earth’s hottest year in the modern record. That was not particularly surprising to scientists. Nor is it surprising to see that snowfall was off to a slow start at the conclusion of this record year.
A clear, well-designed map of data related to this trend is, however, a welcome surprise. The conventional weather map is a smorgasbord of color, replete with rainbow hues and confusion. In contrast, the map above is an example of clarity in cartography. Steven Bernard of the Financial Times shows where—and by how much—US snowfall was above or below average by the first week of 2024. The data come from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The map uses an understandable color scheme to indicate anomalies in snowfall. Scientists rely on anomalies—differences from a long-term average—to compare current conditions to historical trends. Here, the season’s accumulation of snow up to January 4 is compared to the historic average for the same dates in previous years.
Eventually, a mass of Arctic air would bring cooler temperatures and more snow to the US by mid-January.
US snowfall was off to a slow start at the beginning of 2024. But Financial Times kicked off the year with a fantastic example of making weather maps clear and understandable.
More to Explore
- Browse more of Steven Bernard’s work with the Financial Times.
- Watch seasonal and historical trends in our animation of global snowpack.
- Learn how scientists can measure snow with satellites and lasers.
