Average winter temperatures in Metro Detroit have increased nearly six degrees since 1970, an analysis from the research group Climate Central shows.
The big picture: Winters are warming quickly across much of the Lower 48 states, including Michigan, and particularly during the past three decades. This is tied to human-caused climate change.
Why it matters: Warming during meteorological winter, which runs from December through February, affects winter sports, recreation and water supplies — and could even alter our region's cultural identity over time.
Zoom out: States known for their cold weather have seen some of the fastest-warming rates, research shows.
This includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont and Maine.