The bag of salt is still in my trunk.
I didn’t need it this year. Which is notable.
Here in the midwest, it snows. Every year. And we did get some snow this year. And ice. But nothing that didn’t melt.
Here’s the thing about anecdotal evidence. Many people will respond “but I salted my drive.” Others will say “that’s a product of where you live.”
True. Though, only partially.
Because it always snows here. But it never really snowed this time. Not with a foot and a week of ice underneath.
And this, too, happens from time-to-time. The last two years we had deep winter squalls with terribly cold temperatures. We definitely used ice then. Yet, this, too, is anecdotal.
And so is the idea that it all balances out. This very idea relies entirely on vibes and certainty.
Longitudinal data, on the other hand, clearly points to rising temperatures and more severe and unpredictable weather.
And given the data, certain anecdotal experiences speak louder. Like far fewer snow days now than in my childhood. And crazy 80 degree days in February. In Michigan.
Today, I may as well move the bag of salt to the garage. I’ll probably need it next winter.