Snowfalls are Now Just a Thing of the Past

Can you imagine a Christmas―or a lifetime without snowfall? You might think this is a bit of a stretch and unrealistic. But in some parts of the world, this is a reality that’s slowly unfolding. And unfortunately, this fragment of reality has the potential dangers of worsening into something not quite many are prepared. In Britain, an environmental shift is taking people by surprise, which results in warmer or even snow-free winters. Yes, what you’ve heard in the news is no hearsay. Neither will what you’re about to read below. We’ll show you why so you’ll have an open mind of the latest environmental happenings. It’s better to stay current and be informed.

Diminishing Snowfall can be traced as early as the Nineties

Take for example the year 2000 and its first two months in many parts of lowland Britain. Guess what happened here? Well, during this period, no snowfall was seen. You might think this is simply an isolated case taken exaggeratedly, but no. The same is the case for other places. In the South-east, however, there was only moderate snowfall in December. As discovered, this has been going on as early as 1970 to 1995 in the south of England. Only for an average of 3.7 days did snow and sleet fall.

Fast forward to the years 1988 until 1995, there was only an average of 0.7 days. In 1991, nevertheless, a hopeful prospect was witnessed. The last considerable snowfall in London was observed back in February that year. Even more fast forward to the 2000s, what do you think was the condition? Later, we’ll show you how the winter season has changed dramatically, from one decade to another.

The Cause of Warmer Winters

The reason behind little to no snowfall in some countries is no rocket science. What you’re thinking is right. The international community has considered global warming, known as the increase in the temperature of the atmosphere due to the rising amount of industrial gases, as an actuality. And this is exactly the driving force to fewer and fewer snowfalls. Furthermore, scientists have seen this as a result of global climate change.

The Nineties, for one, is worth taking note of. All eight of the 10 hottest years occurred during this decade. For instance, the average temperatures in Britain were 0.6°C higher back in the Nineties as compared with the last decades, say, the Sixties. To be more specific, these range from 1960s to 1990s. Over the coming century, it is roughly calculated to increase by 0.2C every decade.  Just think of how it can take its toll on the forthcoming years. Not a great picture, right? As it has been known, global warming is much apparent in less cold winters as opposed to hotter summers.

The Cultural Connotations of Snow Disappearance

If this continues to happen, climate change could affect the culture and people’s way of life. Although only a few researches have been made on its cultural implications, there are still possibilities to consider. Let’s make a much relatable example. People’s notion of Christmas, excluding those living in tropical countries, may be altered in time—whether slightly or immensely.  No one knows exactly.

It has been a large part of Britain’s culture to see snowballs and sledges surrounding their places, especially during white Christmases. However, the threat of warmer winters also poses a threat to these olden holiday customs. And should things escalate, there will be a great impact to traditions recognized for many centuries. Gone will be the days of waking up to seeing snowmen calmly standing outdoors. How people make celebrate today and in the near future maybe a whole lot different from how people did back then.

Farewell to White Christmas?

Are you mentally prepared for the time when you will have to spend Christmas without snow? Or experience winter rather warmly? No longer will a snowflake lightly fall on your shoulder. No longer will you wrap yourself cozily in many layers while buying Christmas goods. What more, no longer will you be able to mess around with snowballs or build a gigantic snowman.

Well, considering the latest occurrences, such is not far from happening. But not only will it change the way people celebrate festivities such as Christmas. This may also affect the duration of holidays, which may mean fewer white Januaries and Februaries.

The Gradual Vanishing of Winter Sleds

It might be best expected for things to get better after years and years without substantial snowfall. Apparently, not much has improved. If anything, it even went south for most people. By way of illustration, let’s have Britain, which has experienced a huge ‘first’ in the year 2000.

What momentous ‘first’ could that be? Well, its largest toyshop, Hamleys, displayed no sledges in its Regent Street store. It was the first time such a thing has ever happened according to a spokesperson. And just when you thought things could not be more different, another circumstance pops up. If not sledges, outdoor skating has also gradually become a part of history.

From Open-air to Indoor Skating

The celebrated sport on the fields of East Anglia referred to as fen skating is but another example, aside from the sleds. The once well-known sport now transpires on indoor artificial rinks. Nowadays, indoor skating is what’s in. The last time Malcolm Robinson of the Fenland Indoor Speed Skating Club in Peterborough skated outside was 1997. He mentioned that “as a boy, I can remember being on ice most winters. Now it’s few and far between.” Although anyone can make do with artificial rinks, nothing beats the cold, open air. Don’t you think so?

A Future Generation without Snow

A Cambridgeshire local historian named Michael Jeacock declared how a generation was growing up “without experiencing one of the greatest joys and privileges of living in this part of the world—open-air skating”. This statement will surely resonate with those who have lived through the days of snow sculptures and open-air skating. People will look back on such times when even a light snowflake was taken for granted.

As the words of the senior research scientist at the climatic research unit (CRU) of the University of East Anglia, Dr. David Viner, winter snowfall will soon become “a very rare and exciting event.” He added that “children just aren’t going to know what snow is.” From becoming an ‘infrequent’ occurrence, it may even accelerate its status to ‘unknown’.

Visually Gone but Virtually Experienced

Can you picture a day when snowfall will only be heard in stories? Imagination will play a huge part in how people who’ve never experienced snow will perceive the cold season. Well, perhaps future technology will have the floor of making things a little realistic.

The time will come when British children will have to witness snow only through a virtual experience, David Parker at the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research in Berkshire says. They could feel virtual cold via the internet or gape at polar scenes. Such and such predictions have begun to surface. As for you, how would you like to try any of these?

Snowfall’s Mark in Culture—A Silver Lining

True, numerous things and practices have ceased from human sight and touch. Yet the loss of snowfall is something not many have conceived to be possible. Anyway, one striking thing that resembles this climatic and cultural shift is the group of loyal and fierce canine native—the wolves.

As stated by Professor Jarich Oosten at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, “We don’t really have wolves in Europe any more, but they are still an important part of our culture and everyone knows what they look like.” On this account, he noted how even though snow can no longer be seen, its cultural importance will endure. Surely, people will find a way to immortalize it through lifelike pictures or video recordings. But hopefully, though, snowfalls would not be completely blown away by oblivion before certain measures are taken.

An Ordinary Sight to an Out-of-this-world Vsision

At any rate, Dr. David Viner at the climatic research unit (CRU) says that heavy snow will return in time, though only occasionally. And when that happens, most people will be taken aback. “We’re really going to get caught out. Snow will probably cause chaos in 20 years’ time,” the senior research scientist remarked. Since snowfall will hardly come, at least as predicted, people will see it as a mind-blowing, once in a lifetime spectacle. If such an occasion ever happens though, we best be prepared.

Conclusion

Anyway, the odds may be against cities where Impressionist painters like Sisley and poet laureate Robert Bridges caught inspiration for their masterpieces. Many notable figures have indeed used snow as fuel for their creativity. Whether snowfall will become a history of the ancient world lies heavily upon the hands of mankind. For the years to come, we will see. For the time being, however, we will do what we can—and should—to bring things back to its proper course. One step makes a giant leap.