The Bay Area Chill Could Set Record Lows in These Cities. Some Climate Scientists Are Worried

Winkley’s group recently analyzed 245 major U.S. cities to determine how climate change is altering winter. They found that in 80% of those cities — including San Francisco — winter is getting shorter by about nine days. San Francisco winters are shortening by six days on average.

“We are seeing more warm days during the winter months than we did prior,” Winkley said.

This trend, Winkley noted, also means it can be colder less often. Since 2020, there have been 52 daily temperature records set in San Francisco. Winkley said only one was for a record-low temperature in 2022.

“This showcases how even in a warming world, there’s still cold weather to be had, and there’s something to the idea that climate change makes all extremes more extreme,” Winkley said.

But while the potentially record-setting cold temperatures this week seem drastic in comparison to the recent warm Bay Area weather, Winkley said the cold would have “been a little more regular in decades past in a more stable climate.” But, he notes, we no longer live in a stable climate.

“Even though this is going to be a significant cold snap, and there is the potential that we could see a record, we know that record cold really just is not as prevalent or as common as it should be,” Winkley said.

A new analysis from the nonprofit research group Climate Central found that the coldest time of year is shrinking in 195 U.S. cities — getting nine days shorter on average compared to 1970-1997. San Francisco’s winter is shrinking by around six days. (Courtesy of Climate Central)

While the extra cold temperatures and two weeks of rain may be annoying to travelers and commuters, Kennedy said the cold temperatures are a good sign that winter-like conditions haven’t disappeared entirely.

“I know some people said they thought winter was over,” Kennedy said. “But winter is not over. It’s still here. It’s still thriving. And if you like cold weather, which I do, it’s just nice to see those colder temperatures returning.”

But if you hate winter and the cold, Kennedy said this would be the week to wear an extra layer or stay home during the coldest parts of the day.

“It’d be a really good idea to bundle up and check in on anyone who may not have adequate access to heating,” Kennedy said. “Also, remember to make sure your pets are indoors and to protect any plants that are outside.”