Were you slipping and sliding on the ice after these early winter freezes? Well, you can expect more of that slippery stuff underfoot in the months ahead.

The climate crisis means Minnesota winters are getting icier.

Average winter temperatures have risen more than five degrees since the 1970s, and that means snow on the ground is more likely to melt and refreeze as ice when temperatures inch above and then drop below the freezing point, again and again.

These thaw and freeze cycles affect everything from snow cover and lake ice to the maple syrup season, which insects survive until spring and how much ice forms on our roads and sidewalks.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about Minnesota’s warming winters and how we can adapt as individuals and communities to living with more ice. Plus advice on how to walk on ice, what to wear on your feet and other tips on how to prevent falls.

Guests:  

• Matt Neuger is a visiting assistant professor of kinesiology at St. Olaf College and a practicing physical therapist at TRIA Physical Therapy. He is a board certified clinical specialist in both sports and orthopedic physical therapy.




• Teddie Potter is a clinical professor and director of the Center for Planetary Health and Environmental Justice at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and leader in the Climate Change and Health Curriculum.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.