News

Hot First Half of 2012

Updated Thursday, June 21, 2012

It’s been hot out there! 2012 has been the year of unseasonably warm weather. So is it global warming? Or maybe just a coincidence? We spoke with an expert who says, it’s neither.

TWIN TIERS (WENY) -- Summer is off to a hot start.

Overall, 2012 has been a warm year and one expert in the Southern Tier says it's not a coincidence.

Looking back, 2012 started with the "Winter that Wasn't" -- producing some of the lowest snowfall totals in years. The Spring -- at times -- felt like July.

Cornell Climatologist Jessica Rennells doesn't believe the warm temperatures are a coincidence or because of global warming.

She says it's due to an atmospheric combination of weather patterns -- La Nina and a positive arctic oscillation -- pushing colder temperatures farther north.

"Even though we do agree climate change is happening, we can't look at one winter or one season or one year. We're gonna have some winters that are really nasty and cold, even though we're still seeing climate change," says Rennells.

Remember, hot summer temperatures can be dangerous! Here are some tips:

- Don't stay out in the heat for too long. If you do, stay well hydrated.

- Drink cold liquids throughout the day. Sports drinks -- like Gatorade -- rehydrate quickly and lower your internal temperature.

- Get wet! Cold water on your skin keeps you body temperature down.

- Keep your shirt on! You actually absorb more heat with your shirt off.