As the World Warms, Part of the American Southeast Cools
There are several explanations for regional "global warming hole," scientists say.
Although the Deep South has a reputation for hot, steamy weather, part of the Southeastern United States actually experienced cooler-than-normal temperatures in the years between 1991 and 2012.
That fact has been highlighted in a major report on climate change released by the White House this week. Long-term trends suggest the region, like most of the planet, will continue to warm, but the reasons for the localized cooling may provide insight into how climate systems work, scientists say.
Released Tuesday, the third National Climate Assessment is a peer-reviewed, comprehensive look at the impacts of global warming on the United States. It was written by several hundred scientists and other experts, with input from 13 federal agencies and the public. (See "
