[기후변화] Annual 2024 U.S. Climate Report Recap

The year 2024 marked a significant chapter in the climate history of the United States, characterized by record-breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and notable shifts in precipitation patterns. Below is a detailed summary of the key findings from the Annual 2024 U.S. Climate Report:

1. Record-Breaking Temperatures
- The contiguous U.S. experienced its warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 55.5°F, 3.5°F above the 20th-century average. This surpassed the previous record set in 2016, making 2024 the warmest year in the 130-year climate record.
- Every state in the contiguous U.S. reported above-average temperatures, with the Southwest and Northeast regions experiencing the most significant deviations.
- Nighttime temperatures also reached record highs, exacerbating heat-related health risks and energy demands.

2. Tropical Cyclones and Hurricanes
- The Atlantic basin saw 18 named tropical cyclones in 2024, exceeding the long-term average of 14.
- Five hurricanes made landfall in the U.S., with Hurricane Helene standing out as the most destructive. It caused an estimated $78.7 billion in damages, ranking as the seventh-costliest Atlantic hurricane on record.
- Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic winds, storm surges, and flooding to the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S., displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread infrastructure damage.

3. Precipitation and Flooding
- Annual precipitation for the contiguous U.S. was 31.58 inches, 1.66 inches above the long-term average, ranking in the wettest third of the historical record.
- The Midwest and Southeast experienced particularly heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding in states like Iowa, Missouri, and Louisiana. Flash floods disrupted agriculture, transportation, and local economies.
- Conversely, the Southwest faced persistent drought conditions, despite occasional monsoon rains providing temporary relief.

4. Tornado Activity
- A preliminary count of 1,735 tornadoes was reported in 2024, making it the second-highest annual total on record. The most active tornado season occurred in the spring, with outbreaks across the Great Plains and Midwest.
- Notable tornado clusters in April and May caused significant damage in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, resulting in billions of dollars in losses and multiple fatalities.

5. Drought Conditions
- Drought coverage across the contiguous U.S. varied significantly throughout the year, ranging from a minimum extent of 12% on June 11 (the lowest since early 2020) to a maximum coverage of 54% on October 29.
- The Western U.S., particularly California and Nevada, experienced prolonged drought conditions, straining water resources and increasing wildfire risks.
- By the end of 2024, drought conditions improved in parts of the Plains and Midwest due to above-average rainfall, but the Southwest remained critically dry.

6. Wildfires
- The combination of drought, high temperatures, and strong winds fueled an active wildfire season, particularly in the Western U.S. Over 8.5 million acres burned across the country, with California, Oregon, and Washington experiencing the most significant impacts.
- The Mosquito Fire in California became the largest wildfire of the year, consuming over 300,000 acres and destroying hundreds of structures.

7. Snowfall and Winter Weather
- Winter 2023-2024 brought below-average snowfall to much of the Northeast and Midwest, while the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest experienced near-normal to above-normal snowpack.
- A late-season blizzard in March 2024 disrupted travel and energy supplies across the Northern Plains, with record-breaking snowfall in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota.

8. Climate Change Implications
- The trends observed in 2024 align with long-term climate change projections, including rising temperatures, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifting precipitation patterns.
- Scientists emphasize the need for enhanced climate resilience strategies, including infrastructure upgrades, water conservation measures, and disaster preparedness initiatives.

Conclusion
The climate of the U.S. in 2024 underscored the growing impacts of a warming planet, with record-breaking heat, devastating storms, and extreme weather events affecting millions of Americans. As the nation continues to grapple with these challenges, the data from 2024 serves as a critical reminder of the urgency to address climate change and build a more sustainable future.