I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s time to start thinking about winter again.

I know, we just got through this. Record snow, record cold and some downright bizarre weather patterns kissed all the states this year. I’m ready to forget about it too, but we don’t have that luxury anymore.

When I was interviewing people for the cover story in this issue, a common theme kept coming up — abnormal is the new normal. Climate change is bringing larger and more spastic weather patterns into areas across the country.

Just look at our cover photo this month courtesy of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Coming into 2019, it looked like winter was going to pass us by in southeastern Wisconsin. By February, the two-story mound of snow called “Mount Mitchell” by airport staff was there.

It’s not just more snow hitting the ground either. Many of us saw warm ups followed by sub zero drops, back to snow, back to balmy weather, back to freeze and on again. Many of your snow fighters saw some difficult conditions this winter and now as you’re heading out to check the airfield with the thaw underway, there’s a good chance you’re going to find plenty of damage out there.

Technology is going to play a key role in mitigating these issues going forward. With strong weather patterns and more storms hitting more frequently, there’s more chances for issues to arise. But we’re seeing technology implemented on snow removal equipment now that can take on issues missed in the past.

Sensors can transfer implement weight to make sure it’s not applying too much pressure. Pre-programmed operating parameters can give control to management to make sure no one is accidently using the equipment inappropriately.

And with the advent of automated snow plows being tested in Norway, it’s time to start thinking how this can be implemented on our airports.

Regulators and airports need to work together now to make sure the tools are in place now to tackle this new technology and to provide funding to get this equipment to our airports. Thousands of flights were grounded due to weather issues this winter. This is the new normal so it’s time to time to address the needs now.