Study: Temperature Rising In U.S. Cities

Winter temperatures in most large U.S. cities -- 57% of the 130 cities studied -- show a trend of increasing temperatures over the past 30 years, according to a new study by WeatherBill, a commercial Web-based company that consults with business about weather risk.

The study looked at cities with populations of 100,000 or more, and found that the average annual increase in winter temperature was 0.08 degrees -- or 2.4 degrees over the 30-year period. Only Pacific Coast cities showed no increase in wintertime temperature. Increases are most prevalent in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and in the Midwest -- with eight Midwestern cities showing a 30-year increase of 6 degrees.

Summertime temperature increase was less widespread, with 13% of cities studied -- mainly in New England -- showing an increase. The study mirrors other analyses and predictions, which correlate global warming to temperature increases at night and during the winter, which drive an overall average temperature increase. In a nutshell: In many places, it just doesn't get as cold as it used to, as consistently. To read the report, click here.

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