Climate Risks in the Northeast

Farmers, ranchers, and foresters in the Northeast are feeling the pressures of a changing climate and increasing weather variability. In recent years the Northeast has experienced large increases in the frequency and intensity of heavy rains, more so than any other part of the country. In 2016, while record rains fell in the southern part of this region (WV), many other parts of the Northeast experienced the worst drought in 50 years (NY, MA, CT, RI, NH). And unusually warm winters (2010, 2012, 2016, 2017) are leading to early breaking of plant dormancy and increased freeze loses.