Weather events in the Willamette Valley have been intensifying, especially this last winter. Weather comes and goes, but recent studies show that it’s not just randomness but a global shift in climate that has caused recent changes.

On Feb. 13 snow fell in Eugene, and South students were able to enjoy an early weekend. Snow days here in Eugene usually never happen so late, with snow forecasts lasting well into March, and it’s been a long time since snow days canceled school after January. Snow and ice storms have also been intensifying in the area as of recent. That, with the early start to the cold season in October, makes it apparent the cold season in Eugene is changing.

This aligns with a trend of winter storms increasing in intensity and occurence. Winter storms in North America have been intensifying and becoming more common, according to a study done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). According to the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI), this increase is set to continue during Oregon winters because of increased precipitation projections and ice-friendly conditions. This predicts greater severity and increased damage in upcoming Willamette Valley winters.

Both studies found an increase in wind speeds alongside the Pacific Northwest coast. Greater winds can influence structure integrity, with ill-prepared buildings and infrastructure more susceptible to damage. High winds can also increase danger at sea by fueling aggressive waves.

Winds also affect ice. Ice forms due to low temperatures, but it is winds that allow ice to stick to surfaces and stay. With increased precipitation projections and greater winds, ice will become more prevalent and damaging in the Willamette Valley.

Based on current data, climates generally don’t shift with any speed. It could take centuries for the specific climate of a region to change, and even then those shifts would be barely noticeable. However, climates around the world, including in Oregon, have undergone radical changes in the last century, due to unnatural global warming.

According to the NOAA, 2025 had the hottest January on record globally, with a dangerous 1.33° C above the 20th century average. The month also had the second lowest Arctic sea ice coverage on record, 330,000 square miles below average.

The month was followed by the third hottest February on record globally, hovering 1.26° C above the average. Russia, Argentina, the Southwest U.S., and the Arctic experienced especially high temperatures, up to 11° F above average.

While data for March globally is still being analyzed, average temperatures were 1.6° C above average in Europe and 3° C for the contiguous U.S. Many days throughout spring break this year had record temperatures here in the Willamette Valley alone, according to a report from NOAA.

Winter weather events are often juxtaposed against the world’s warming climate, and at first glance it can seem like the two are contradictory. However studies have shown that an increasing greenhouse effect in the atmosphere, the root of warming climate, also allows for weather extremes to become stronger and more common. So as we weather upcoming storms, it is important to remember the interconnectivity of our climates, and how small changes can lead to lasting impacts.

Article by Martín Peredia-Mayorga