Scientists have said for years Earth is moving toward substantial climate changes that may result in chaotic weather patterns, leading to extreme natural disasters such as severe storms and droughts across the globe.

Northeast Illinois has experienced the ninth warmest September/October weather since 1895.

The warm two-month temperatures have been fairly widespread across the US. However, the most abnormal warm temperatures have occurred in the Midwest and East Coast.

A warming Earth

Global warming describes an increase in the average temperatures of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.

“Based on observed data, the Earth as a whole is experiencing rising temperatures over the last 30 to 100 years, and there is strong evidence that the reporting stations here on Earth have experienced average temperature rises to the tune of 1 degree Fahrenheit over the last 100 years,” said Gilbert Sebenste, NIU staff Meteorologist.

With every action there is consequence, negative or positive, and Earth may be experiencing a negative consequence based on industrial development and increased pollution seeping into the Earth’s atmosphere.

According to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, one theory states climate changes are the result of humans. The theory is that, by adding greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere at increasing rates, global warming results.

“At the same time we are also adding aerosols that may lead to local cooling, which drastically changes the landscape over time. All of these things have an impact on the climate.” Angel said. “There may be a variety of reasons for the change, usually being a combination of natural and human-related activities.”

Warmer winter

Meteorologists have predicted November to be warmer and drier than usual, but the only reliable way to predict winter conditions is to look at past trends.

“Historically, a warm September/October is more likely to be followed by a warm winter. It’s not a sure bet but it seems to load the dice slightly in that favor,” Angel said.

Warm fall temperatures have slowed business for local heating companies.

This is the time of year to start cranking the heat but warm temperatures have caused people to delay this action.

“It has slowed us down quite a bit because furnaces aren’t breaking down, but people have been wanting to get their furnaces cleaned and checked because of the increased gas bills,” said Ron Gaul, service manager of Hero Heating and Air Conditioning, 1132 Pleasant St.