Scientists define a new category of heat wave: ‘Snow eaters’

Researchers publishing in Science Advances have identified and named a specific type of heat wave — the 'snow eater' — marked by temperatures staying above freezing day and night for three to five days, roughly doubling snowmelt rates.

The study found the geographic area affected by these events has grown by about 40,000 square miles per century since the 1850s, and the season's first snow eater now arrives roughly a month earlier per century. Scientists tie the trend to record-low snowpack across the West this spring and note it likely worsens wildfire risk and complicates water management.

Researchers say the catchy name is partly meant to draw attention to a phenomenon that still isn't fully understood, including possible links to avalanches and glacial collapse.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.