Climate Change Is Making Cambridge’s Winters ‘Weird,’ Local Sustainability Experts Say | News | The Harvard Crimson

Cambridge’s cold season isn’t what it used to be. Local sustainability leaders say climate change is reshaping winter into a volatile mix of milder temperatures, heavier precipitation, and sudden freezes — a combination that heightens the risk of flooding, infrastructure damage, and household disruptions across the city.

At a community discussion hosted this week at the Cambridge Public Library and billed as “Winter Weirding,” city and nonprofit specialists walked residents through what to expect and how to prepare. Their message was clear: warmer averages and sharper swings between thaw and deep freeze are redefining winter weather — and everyone, whether renting or owning, can take steps to stay safe and cut costs.

Warmer winters, bigger swings

City assessments have long flagged the trend: all seasons are warming, with winter shifting particularly fast. That means more days hovering around the freezing point — a threshold where precipitation can flip between rain, sleet, and heavy, wet snowfall. When snow does fall, it’s more likely to pack a punch and then melt quickly, sending slush and runoff into streets and basements. On the other end of the spectrum, sudden cold snaps after a thaw can flash-freeze standing water, creating treacherous ice and straining pipes.

Storm intensity is also a concern. Stronger coastal systems and rain-on-snow events can push water where it’s not designed to go, challenging an urban drainage network built for a different climate. The outcome is familiar to many residents: flooded intersections, overwhelmed catch basins, and sump pumps working overtime.

Infrastructure under stress

Freeze–thaw cycles wreak havoc on both homes and city systems. Repeated temperature swings crack pavement and open potholes, while rapid melt can overload storm drains. In buildings, poorly insulated pipes are vulnerable to freezing when temperatures plunge after a mild spell. Ice dams can form on roofs, forcing water under shingles and into walls. Basements near high groundwater areas are especially prone to seepage when snowmelt and rain pile up at once.

These patterns increase routine maintenance demands. Keeping gutters clear, redirecting downspouts away from foundations, and inspecting foundation cracks can help reduce water intrusion. Clearing the storm drain nearest your home before a storm can also make a measurable difference, particularly when heavy snow turns to rain.

Tools and programs to reduce risk

Several city resources are designed to help residents understand their specific exposure and lower energy costs:

• FloodViewer (from the Department of Public Works) provides property-level information about flood risk from intense rainfall and storm surge, guiding decisions about preparedness and insurance.
• The Cambridge Energy Helpline offers services such as an Energy Bill Check-Up and connects households to weatherization and efficiency programs that can cut bills while improving comfort in drafty apartments and homes.

Residents can also consider emergency basics that fit their household: a flashlight and charged battery pack, a back-up plan for essential medication, and awareness of where water and gas shut-offs are located. Renters can log maintenance requests for draft sealing and pipe insulation; owners can explore long-term upgrades like air sealing, insulation, and backflow prevention valves.

Stronger neighborhoods, safer winters

Experts emphasized that social connection is a powerful form of climate resilience. Checking on neighbors during outages, pooling supplies, and trading know-how can be lifesaving during extreme events. City initiatives support this approach with small grants — around $300 — to help residents host block gatherings aimed at building trust and communication before emergencies strike.

Why does this matter? Communities with tight social networks tend to bounce back faster after disasters. If your phone dies, a neighbor’s charger may be the lifeline. If you’re away, someone next door might notice a burst pipe before the damage spreads. And for those with limited mobility or medical needs, a simple check-in plan can bridge critical gaps.

Action at the household scale

While climate change is a global challenge, local actions stack up. Practical steps for Cambridge households include:

• Sign up for city emergency alerts and weather notifications to get ahead of storm shifts.
• Before storms, clear the nearest catch basin and secure loose items that could block drains.
• Move valuables off basement floors; install or test sump pumps and back-up power where feasible.
• Seal drafts around windows and doors; insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated spaces.
• Create a simple contact tree for your building or block to coordinate checks during outages.
• Document your space and belongings with photos to streamline any insurance claims.

The winter ahead may bring fewer deep freezes overall, but the risks are no less serious. In a warming climate, Cambridge is likely to see more precipitation falling in bursts, more rain-on-snow events, and faster melt — all of which stress homes and public infrastructure. By combining preparedness tools, efficiency upgrades, and neighbor-to-neighbor support, residents can reduce damage, stay safer, and reclaim a sense of control in a season that’s becoming increasingly unpredictable.