Climatological information for the Commonwealth of Virginia through the first month of 2024 supplies priceless insights for residents, companies, and guests. Understanding typical temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and the potential for excessive climate occasions permits for knowledgeable decision-making relating to agriculture, transportation, tourism, and every day actions. This data can embody common excessive and low temperatures, snowfall accumulation, rainfall totals, and the probability of extreme climate reminiscent of ice storms or freezing rain.
Accessing and comprehending this historic climate information is essential for varied sectors. Farmers can use this data to plan planting schedules and defend crops. Transportation companies can put together for potential highway closures or delays on account of inclement climate. Tourism companies can modify operations and supply correct data to vacationers. Moreover, understanding typical January climate situations permits people to organize appropriately for out of doors actions and guarantee private security. Lengthy-term local weather developments for January in Virginia will also be gleaned from historic information, offering priceless context for understanding current situations and predicting future patterns.
The next sections delve into particular facets of Virginia’s local weather throughout January 2024, together with regional variations, historic comparisons, and potential impacts on varied industries and every day life.
1. Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations attribute of January in Virginia considerably affect the Commonwealth’s atmosphere, impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and every day life. Understanding these variations is essential for preparedness and useful resource administration.
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Diurnal Temperature Swings
Giant variations between daytime excessive and nighttime low temperatures are frequent throughout Virginia’s January. This diurnal variation can stress vegetation, impacting winter crops and landscaping. Freeze-thaw cycles, ensuing from fluctuating temperatures, may injury roads and contribute to potholes.
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Affect of Latitude and Elevation
Virginia’s different topography and latitude end in distinct temperature profiles. Coastal areas usually expertise milder temperatures in comparison with inland and mountainous areas, that are extra inclined to freezing temperatures and higher snowfall. These regional variations affect heating calls for and necessitate various ranges of winter preparedness.
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Influence on Agriculture
Temperature fluctuations pose challenges for Virginia’s agricultural sector throughout January. Sudden drops in temperature can injury or destroy delicate crops, whereas hotter intervals can result in untimely budding, making vegetation susceptible to subsequent freezes. Farmers should make use of methods reminiscent of frost safety and cautious monitoring to mitigate these dangers.
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Chilly Air Outbreaks and Arctic Blasts
Virginia can expertise periodic intrusions of frigid Arctic air throughout January, leading to considerably below-average temperatures. These chilly air outbreaks can place stress on infrastructure, together with energy grids and water pipes, and pose well being dangers to susceptible populations. Understanding the probability and potential severity of those occasions is essential for efficient preparedness and response.
These temperature fluctuations inherent to Virginia’s January climate necessitate cautious planning and adaptation throughout varied sectors. From agricultural practices to infrastructure administration and particular person preparedness, understanding these variations is vital to navigating the challenges and mitigating potential dangers related to the Commonwealth’s winter local weather.
2. Precipitation Ranges
Precipitation ranges in Virginia throughout January considerably affect varied facets of life throughout the Commonwealth, impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and the pure atmosphere. Understanding typical precipitation patterns, together with common rainfall and snowfall, is essential for efficient planning and useful resource administration.
January precipitation in Virginia sometimes falls inside a variety encompassing each rain and snow. The steadiness between these two types of precipitation is influenced by temperature fluctuations, with colder intervals favoring snow and hotter intervals leading to rain. Coastal areas are inclined to obtain extra rain than snow as a result of moderating affect of the Atlantic Ocean, whereas inland and mountainous areas expertise increased snowfall accumulations. The quantity and sort of precipitation instantly have an effect on soil moisture ranges, that are crucial for winter crops and the general well being of ecosystems. Extreme rainfall can result in soil erosion and runoff, impacting water high quality in rivers and streams. Heavy snowfall can disrupt transportation networks, requiring highway closures and impacting commutes. Sufficient snowpack, nonetheless, could be useful, offering a gradual launch of water into the bottom through the spring thaw, replenishing groundwater provides.
Analyzing historic precipitation information for January supplies priceless insights into long-term developments and variability. Evaluating 2024 precipitation ranges to earlier years permits for an evaluation of deviations from the norm and potential impacts on water sources, agriculture, and infrastructure. Understanding these patterns allows higher preparedness for potential challenges, reminiscent of drought or flooding, and informs decision-making throughout varied sectors, from agriculture to water useful resource administration.
3. Snowfall Accumulation
Snowfall accumulation is a major side of Virginia’s climate in January, impacting transportation, infrastructure, and every day life throughout the Commonwealth. The quantity of snowfall varies significantly throughout the state on account of elements reminiscent of elevation, proximity to the coast, and prevailing climate patterns. Understanding typical snowfall accumulation patterns and potential deviations is essential for preparedness and efficient useful resource administration.
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Regional Variations
Mountainous areas of Virginia, such because the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, sometimes expertise the very best snowfall accumulations in January. Coastal areas usually obtain much less snow as a result of moderating affect of the Atlantic Ocean. These regional variations necessitate various ranges of preparedness for snow elimination and winter climate impacts.
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Influence on Transportation
Snowfall accumulation can considerably disrupt transportation networks in Virginia. Highway closures, delays, and unsafe driving situations are frequent throughout and after snow occasions. The Virginia Division of Transportation (VDOT) performs an important position in snow elimination and highway upkeep, however important accumulations can nonetheless result in widespread journey disruptions.
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Infrastructure Issues
Heavy snowfall can place stress on infrastructure, together with energy traces, roofs, and timber. The load of gathered snow can result in energy outages, structural injury, and falling timber, posing dangers to public security and property. Sufficient preparedness, together with tree trimming and roof upkeep, might help mitigate these dangers.
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Financial Impacts
Snowfall accumulation can have important financial impacts on Virginia, significantly in sectors reminiscent of tourism, agriculture, and retail. Ski resorts and winter recreation areas profit from snowfall, whereas different companies might expertise closures or decreased exercise on account of inclement climate. The general financial influence depends upon the severity and length of snow occasions.
Analyzing historic snowfall information for January supplies priceless context for understanding present situations and potential future developments. Evaluating 2024 snowfall accumulations to earlier years helps assess the severity of winter climate and its potential influence on varied sectors. This data informs decision-making associated to useful resource allocation, infrastructure administration, and public security measures all through the Commonwealth.
4. Potential for Ice Storms
Ice storms pose a major risk throughout Virginia winters, significantly in January. Freezing rain, the first offender in ice storms, happens when supercooled raindrops freeze upon contact with surfaces at or beneath freezing temperatures. This phenomenon creates a treacherous layer of ice on roads, timber, and energy traces, resulting in hazardous journey situations, energy outages, and property injury. A number of elements contribute to the potential for ice storms in Virginia throughout January. The Commonwealth’s location inside a transition zone between hotter, moist air plenty from the south and colder, drier air plenty from the north creates situations conducive to freezing rain formation. The presence of a heat layer of air aloft, overlying a shallow layer of subfreezing air close to the floor, permits precipitation to fall initially as rain. Upon contact with the frozen floor or different surfaces, the supercooled raindrops freeze, resulting in ice accumulation. Topographic options, reminiscent of valleys and elevated terrains, can exacerbate the impacts of ice storms by trapping chilly air and enhancing precipitation.
The implications of ice storms could be extreme. Accumulating ice on tree branches provides important weight, resulting in damaged limbs and downed timber, which may trigger energy outages and block roads. Ice-covered roads create hazardous driving situations, growing the chance of accidents. Energy outages ensuing from downed energy traces can disrupt important companies, together with heating, communication, and entry to wash water. The financial influence of ice storms could be substantial, with prices related to energy restoration, infrastructure restore, and misplaced productiveness. For instance, the 2000 ice storm in Virginia resulted in widespread energy outages, affecting thousands and thousands of residents and inflicting in depth injury to infrastructure and property. The storm highlighted the vulnerability of the Commonwealth to freezing rain occasions and the significance of preparedness.
Understanding the potential for ice storms in Virginia throughout January is essential for mitigating their impacts. Monitoring climate forecasts, making ready emergency kits, and having a plan for energy outages are important steps. Trimming timber close to energy traces can scale back the chance of outages brought on by falling branches. Public consciousness campaigns can educate residents in regards to the risks of ice storms and promote preparedness measures. Investing in resilient infrastructure, reminiscent of burying energy traces, can scale back vulnerability to ice-related injury. By acknowledging the potential for ice storms and taking proactive steps to organize and mitigate their impacts, Virginia can improve its resilience to those hazardous winter climate occasions.
5. Coastal vs. Inland Variations
Important distinctions exist between coastal and inland Virginia climate throughout January. The moderating affect of the Atlantic Ocean considerably impacts coastal areas, leading to milder temperatures and the next proportion of rainfall in comparison with snowfall. Inland areas, additional faraway from the ocean’s affect, expertise colder temperatures, elevated snowfall accumulations, and a higher probability of extended freezing situations. These variations end result from the ocean’s increased warmth capability, which moderates temperature fluctuations in coastal areas. As colder air plenty transfer over the hotter ocean water, they’re warmed and moistened, decreasing the probability of great snowfall close to the coast. Conversely, inland areas lack this moderating affect, making them extra inclined to temperature extremes and elevated snowfall. For instance, Norfolk, situated on the coast, sometimes experiences common January temperatures a number of levels increased than Richmond, situated additional inland. Snowfall totals additionally differ considerably, with coastal areas averaging considerably much less snow than inland areas.
These coastal-inland variations have sensible implications for varied sectors. Coastal communities might expertise much less disruption from snow-related transportation delays and college closures, whereas inland areas require higher preparedness for snow elimination and winter climate impacts. Agricultural practices additionally differ, with coastal farmers doubtlessly having an extended rising season for sure winter crops. Moreover, understanding these regional variations is essential for efficient infrastructure planning and useful resource allocation. Coastal areas might prioritize flood mitigation measures, whereas inland areas give attention to snow elimination and highway upkeep throughout January. Tourism and recreation actions are additionally influenced by these climatic variations, with coastal areas providing milder situations for out of doors actions through the winter months.
The distinct climate patterns characterizing coastal and inland Virginia throughout January necessitate region-specific planning and preparedness. Recognizing these variations permits for knowledgeable decision-making throughout varied sectors, from transportation and agriculture to infrastructure administration and tourism. Understanding the affect of the Atlantic Ocean on coastal climates supplies priceless insights into the various climate panorama of the Commonwealth through the winter months.
6. Influence on Agriculture
Virginia’s January climate exerts a substantial affect on the state’s agricultural sector. Low temperatures, potential snowfall, and the frequency of freeze-thaw cycles pose challenges for winter crops, livestock administration, and total farm operations. Temperature fluctuations can injury or destroy delicate crops, significantly winter wheat, barley, and sure greens. Freezing temperatures necessitate protecting measures for livestock, growing operational prices. Extreme rainfall or snowfall can saturate fields, delaying fieldwork and doubtlessly impacting soil well being. The timing and quantity of precipitation affect soil moisture ranges, essential for winter crop growth and total agricultural productiveness. For instance, a protracted interval of freezing temperatures with out sufficient snow cowl can injury uncovered crops, whereas heavy snowfall can insulate crops but additionally delay spring planting.
Particular agricultural practices are impacted by January climate situations. Orchard administration requires cautious monitoring of temperatures to guard fruit timber from frost injury. Livestock farmers should guarantee sufficient shelter and vitamin for animals throughout chilly climate and potential snow occasions. The provision of water sources for irrigation will also be affected by January precipitation patterns. Choices relating to planting, fertilization, and pest management are all influenced by prevailing climate situations. As an example, the timing of pesticide utility could also be adjusted based mostly on temperature and precipitation forecasts to maximise effectiveness and decrease environmental influence. Moreover, the financial viability of sure crops could be instantly affected by January climate, as crop yields and high quality could also be decreased on account of unfavorable situations. This underscores the significance of correct climate forecasting and proactive adaptation methods for Virginia’s agricultural neighborhood.
Understanding the influence of January climate on Virginia agriculture is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and guaranteeing meals safety. Correct climate forecasting allows farmers to make knowledgeable selections relating to crop administration, livestock care, and useful resource allocation. The event of climate-resilient agricultural practices is crucial for mitigating the dangers related to variable winter climate. Additional analysis into the precise impacts of January climate on varied crops and livestock can inform greatest practices and assist the long-term viability of Virginia’s agricultural sector. Addressing the challenges posed by January climate requires a collaborative strategy involving farmers, researchers, and policymakers to develop and implement efficient methods for a resilient and productive agricultural system.
7. Transportation Considerations
January climate in Virginia presents important challenges to transportation techniques throughout the Commonwealth. Winter precipitation, together with snow, ice, and freezing rain, can create hazardous highway situations, resulting in disruptions and delays for commuters, freight transport, and emergency companies. Understanding these potential impacts is essential for efficient planning and mitigation methods.
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Highway Circumstances
Snow and ice accumulation create slippery highway surfaces, growing the chance of accidents. Freezing rain can coat roads with a layer of ice, making driving extraordinarily treacherous. Bridges and overpasses are significantly inclined to icing on account of their publicity to chilly air from above and beneath. Decreased visibility throughout snowstorms additional compounds these hazards, resulting in decreased driver response time and elevated accident potential.
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Public Transportation
Inclement climate can disrupt public transportation companies, together with bus routes, prepare schedules, and airport operations. Heavy snowfall could make roads impassable for buses, forcing route cancellations or delays. Ice accumulation on prepare tracks can influence prepare schedules and doubtlessly result in service disruptions. Flight delays and cancellations are frequent throughout winter storms, impacting air journey all through the area.
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Freight Transport
Winter climate poses important challenges for freight transport, impacting provide chains and the supply of important items. Highway closures and unsafe driving situations can delay truck deliveries, resulting in potential shortages of products and financial losses. The well timed supply of temperature-sensitive items, reminiscent of meals and prescribed drugs, is especially susceptible to weather-related delays.
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Emergency Providers
Response instances for emergency companies could be considerably impacted by winter climate. Highway closures and unsafe situations can delay ambulance, hearth truck, and police responses to emergencies, doubtlessly jeopardizing public security. The flexibility of emergency personnel to succeed in these in want is essential throughout winter climate occasions, underscoring the significance of clear roads and efficient communication techniques.
The influence of January climate on Virginia’s transportation techniques underscores the significance of preparedness and proactive measures. Monitoring climate forecasts, implementing winter highway upkeep methods, and speaking journey advisories to the general public are essential for minimizing disruptions and guaranteeing security. Funding in infrastructure enhancements, reminiscent of superior highway climate data techniques and snow elimination tools, can improve the resilience of transportation networks to winter climate occasions. Moreover, particular person preparedness, together with having emergency kits in autos and avoiding pointless journey throughout hazardous situations, contributes to total security and minimizes the pressure on transportation techniques throughout January’s difficult climate.
8. Historic Climate Knowledge
Comprehending Virginia’s climate in January 2024 necessitates analyzing historic climate information. This information supplies an important context for understanding noticed climate patterns, predicting future developments, and assessing the potential impacts of climate occasions. By analyzing previous climate information, priceless insights could be gleaned relating to temperature fluctuations, precipitation patterns, snowfall accumulations, and the frequency of maximum climate occasions, reminiscent of ice storms. This data serves as a baseline for evaluating the importance of present climate situations and aids in creating preparedness methods.
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Lengthy-Time period Tendencies
Evaluation of long-term climate information reveals developments in temperature and precipitation patterns for January in Virginia. This data aids in understanding how local weather change could also be influencing winter climate situations within the Commonwealth. For instance, analyzing temperature information over a number of a long time can reveal whether or not common January temperatures are growing or lowering and the speed of change. Equally, analyzing precipitation developments can determine potential shifts in snowfall or rainfall patterns.
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Variability and Extremes
Historic information supplies insights into the variability of January climate in Virginia. Understanding the vary of previous temperature fluctuations and precipitation ranges helps to contextualize present situations. Inspecting historic information of maximum climate occasions, reminiscent of extreme snowstorms or ice storms, permits for an evaluation of the frequency and depth of such occasions, informing preparedness and threat mitigation methods.
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Regional Variations
Historic climate information can spotlight regional variations in January climate throughout Virginia. Coastal areas sometimes expertise milder temperatures and fewer snowfall in comparison with inland and mountainous areas. Analyzing historic information for particular places throughout the Commonwealth supplies a extra nuanced understanding of native climate patterns and informs regional preparedness efforts. This information could be invaluable for sectors reminiscent of agriculture, transportation, and tourism, that are delicate to regional climate variations.
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Predictive Modeling
Historic climate information serves as a basis for creating predictive climate fashions. By analyzing previous climate patterns, meteorologists can determine recurring patterns and develop algorithms for forecasting future climate situations. This data is essential for offering correct climate forecasts, enabling people, companies, and authorities companies to make knowledgeable selections based mostly on anticipated climate situations.
The applying of historic climate information is crucial for understanding and responding to Virginia’s January 2024 climate. By analyzing previous developments, variability, and extremes, priceless insights could be gained relating to the potential impacts of climate occasions on varied sectors, together with agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure. This data facilitates the event of efficient preparedness methods and promotes knowledgeable decision-making throughout the Commonwealth. Historic information supplies an important basis for assessing the importance of present climate situations and predicting future developments, in the end contributing to higher resilience within the face of Virginia’s dynamic winter local weather.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to typical climate situations skilled in Virginia throughout January. Understanding these patterns is essential for residents, guests, and companies working throughout the Commonwealth.
Query 1: What are the common temperature ranges in Virginia throughout January?
Common January temperatures in Virginia differ considerably relying on location. Coastal areas sometimes expertise highs within the 40sF (4-9C) and lows within the 30sF (-1-4C). Inland and mountainous areas see colder temperatures, with highs within the 30sF (-1-4C) and lows within the 20sF (-7–3C).
Query 2: How a lot snowfall could be anticipated in Virginia throughout January?
Snowfall accumulations in Virginia throughout January additionally differ by area. Mountainous areas sometimes obtain probably the most snow, averaging a number of inches to over a foot. Coastal areas obtain considerably much less snow, with accumulations typically restricted to some inches or much less. Inland areas expertise snowfall quantities between these two extremes.
Query 3: How typically do ice storms happen in Virginia throughout January?
The frequency of ice storms in Virginia throughout January is variable. Whereas not an annual incidence, freezing rain occasions are attainable, significantly within the central and western elements of the Commonwealth. The chance will increase with elevation and proximity to the transition zone between heat and chilly air plenty.
Query 4: What are the first transportation considerations associated to January climate in Virginia?
Winter precipitation can create hazardous highway situations, resulting in potential visitors delays and accidents. Snow and ice accumulation can influence highway journey, significantly in mountainous areas. Freezing rain could make roads extraordinarily slippery, growing the chance of accidents. Monitoring highway situations and climate forecasts is essential for secure journey throughout January.
Query 5: How does January climate influence agricultural operations in Virginia?
January climate situations pose challenges for Virginia agriculture. Low temperatures can injury winter crops, and snowfall can delay fieldwork. Livestock administration requires elevated consideration throughout chilly climate and potential snow occasions. Farmers should make use of methods to guard crops and livestock from excessive temperatures and guarantee sufficient sources.
Query 6: The place can dependable historic climate information for Virginia be accessed?
Dependable historic climate information for Virginia could be accessed by varied sources, together with the Nationwide Climate Service, the Nationwide Facilities for Environmental Info (NCEI), and the Virginia Division of Environmental High quality. These sources present detailed historic climate data, together with temperature, precipitation, and snowfall information.
Understanding typical January climate patterns in Virginia permits for knowledgeable decision-making and efficient preparedness. Contemplating these elements is essential for guaranteeing security, minimizing disruptions, and maximizing effectivity throughout varied sectors, together with transportation, agriculture, and tourism.
The next part will discover particular climate occasions that occurred in Virginia throughout January 2024, offering an in depth evaluation of their impacts and implications.
Suggestions for Navigating Virginia Climate in January
Cautious preparation is crucial for navigating Virginia’s variable January climate. The following pointers supply sensible steering for residents, guests, and companies to mitigate potential dangers and guarantee security all through the month.
Tip 1: Monitor Climate Forecasts Usually
Staying knowledgeable about upcoming climate situations is essential. Usually seek the advice of dependable climate sources, such because the Nationwide Climate Service, for up-to-date forecasts and potential climate alerts. This enables for proactive planning and well timed changes to schedules and actions.
Tip 2: Put together for Various Temperatures
Virginia experiences important temperature fluctuations in January. Layering clothes permits for adaptability to altering situations all through the day. Be ready for each delicate and freezing temperatures, significantly when touring throughout totally different areas of the Commonwealth.
Tip 3: Pack for Winter Precipitation
Winter precipitation, together with rain, snow, and freezing rain, is frequent in Virginia throughout January. Pack acceptable footwear with good traction for navigating doubtlessly slippery surfaces. Waterproof outerwear is crucial for staying dry throughout rain or snow occasions.
Tip 4: Winterize Autos
Guarantee autos are correctly ready for winter driving situations. Examine tire stress and tread depth, and think about using winter tires for enhanced traction in snowy or icy situations. Hold an emergency equipment within the car, together with blankets, a flashlight, and primary provides.
Tip 5: Plan for Journey Disruptions
Winter climate can result in journey delays and disruptions. Permit additional time for journey, particularly during times of inclement climate. Monitor highway situations and visitors reviews earlier than embarking on journeys. Think about different transportation choices if highway journey turns into hazardous.
Tip 6: Shield Pipes from Freezing
Freezing temperatures could cause water pipes to freeze and burst, resulting in expensive injury. Insulate uncovered pipes and permit taps to drip barely during times of maximum chilly to stop freezing. Know the situation of the primary water shut-off valve in case of a burst pipe.
Tip 7: Preserve Vitality Throughout Chilly Snaps
Heating calls for improve throughout January’s chilly climate. Conserving power helps scale back heating prices and decrease pressure on the ability grid. Seal drafts round home windows and doorways, and decrease thermostat settings when attainable. Think about using energy-efficient heating techniques and home equipment.
By heeding these precautions, people and communities can mitigate dangers related to Virginia’s January climate. Proactive planning and preparedness contribute considerably to security and well-being all through the winter season.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways relating to Virginia climate in January 2024 and presents views on future developments and preparedness methods.
Conclusion
Navigating January in Virginia requires consciousness of the Commonwealth’s numerous climate panorama. Temperature fluctuations, precipitation variability, and the potential for winter storms necessitate preparedness and adaptive methods. Coastal areas expertise milder temperatures and fewer snowfall in comparison with inland and mountainous areas, impacting agriculture, transportation, and every day life in a different way throughout the state. Understanding historic climate patterns supplies priceless context for deciphering present situations and predicting future developments. The knowledge introduced herein serves as a useful resource for residents, companies, and guests, enabling knowledgeable decision-making and enhancing resilience to Virginia’s dynamic winter local weather.
Adaptation to altering climate patterns stays essential for minimizing disruptions and guaranteeing public security. Continued monitoring of climate forecasts, funding in resilient infrastructure, and community-level preparedness initiatives are important for navigating future January climate situations in Virginia. Proactive planning and a dedication to knowledgeable decision-making are paramount for mitigating the impacts of winter climate and fostering a climate-resilient Commonwealth.
