Pittsburgh Sees Intense Snowstorm as Climate Change Impacts Winters

Experts say warmer winters and more intense storms may be the new normal.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Pittsburgh experienced a significant winter storm over the weekend, with nearly a foot of snow falling - just short of the record set during the 'Snowmageddon' storm of 2010. While winters are becoming warmer overall due to climate change, experts warn that the region could still see intense, though less frequent, snowstorms as the climate continues to evolve.

Why it matters

The paradox of warming winters and intense snowstorms highlights the complex ways climate change is impacting weather patterns. As winters become less snowy overall, the potential for rare but severe winter weather events presents challenges for communities in terms of preparedness and infrastructure.

The details

The recent Pittsburgh snowstorm dropped nearly a foot of snow, just shy of the record set during the 'Snowmageddon' storm of 2010. Temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing for the rest of the week. While climate change is causing winters to become warmer overall, with less frequent cold snaps, experts say that intense winter storms may actually be growing more severe. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, potentially leading to heavier snowfall when cold temperatures persist. Scientists are also investigating whether climate change could be disrupting stratospheric circulation, keeping these storms colder than they otherwise would be.

  • The snowstorm hit Pittsburgh over the weekend of February 5-6, 2026.
  • The 'Snowmageddon' storm that set the previous snowfall record in Pittsburgh occurred in 2010.

The players

Mark Serreze

Director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Matt Barlow

Professor of climate science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

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What they’re saying

“Global warming has not stopped.”

— Mark Serreze, Director, National Snow and Ice Data Center (newsy-today.com)

“But that doesn't mean there are none of them...Just because we're getting fewer of them doesn't mean that we're done with winter completely.”

— Matt Barlow, Professor of climate science (newsy-today.com)

“There's more water coming down. If we likewise manage to get some old-fashioned cold, then you have the potential for more snow.”

— Matt Barlow, Professor of climate science (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Scientists will continue to study the complex relationship between climate change and winter weather patterns, including how warming temperatures may be impacting the frequency and intensity of snowstorms.

The takeaway

This snowstorm highlights how climate change is leading to a paradox of warmer winters overall, but the potential for more intense, though less frequent, winter weather events. Communities will need to adapt their preparedness and infrastructure to balance these evolving weather patterns.