So...what makes a Historic winter? 1 Blizzard (March 2008), multiple little storms where the ground vanishes in December not to be seen until April (2000), or a record cold football game(Freezer Bowl 1982..-3 Degrees). All Cincinnati memorable moments...But what will this winter bring?
Over the last few weeks there have been questions in the halls, and comments on the board about how we see this winter shaping up. Seems we are back in the season where Weather Logic thrives as Cincinnatians begin to fear the solid that falls from the sky, and the cold that keeps us inside. So, we've put together our thoughts at what the next 4 months will bring, and we hope you enjoy it.
I've heard everything from "we are headed to a Florida-like Winter, to an Alaska-type winter". And to be honest, no one really knows what the next 4 days will bring, let alone the next 4 months. Everyone has a thought based on weather patterns, and there's no question....ours is about to change!
"OHIO HIGH"
For me, there are 2 things that make the winter memorable...BIG STORMS, and COLD AIR. For the last few months, Ohio's been cut off from the main storm pattern. We had a flooding spring, with storm after storm pushing the Ohio River out of it's banks. Then, just like that, a "roadblock" was put up...we'll call it the "OHIO HIGH"...and storms went around the state leaving us in a rainfall deficit. But now...there are indications of the roadblock is being lifted, the High is breaking down and letting the storms come back in. Look for the action to start to pick mid to late November. Now we just need the cold...
THE COLD
Winter officially starts on December 22nd and goes to March 19th. But don't let the dates fool you....we average a little over 2" of snow in the month of November. Now as I write this on the first week in November, we are having highs in the Mid 70's...but that's all about to change. Cold is on the way and here's the reason why...
The map above shows the Ice and snow build-up over Canada...so why do we care??? Cincinnati gets the Record cold from "Artic Blasts". These happen when storm systems send our winds in from the North where they originate in Alaska and Canada. The air typically modifies if the ground is exposed, however as this region becomes snow and ice covered, the air can't warm and we wind up with brutally cold temperatures. Watch updates to this map here!
THE STORMS
Now, we expect the cold air to get here. Cincinnati gets the big snow storms from the south, and smaller "clippers" from the North. Our blizzard last year came out of Texas. The pattern change looks to put Cincinnati in more of a southern storm in the coming weeks. Once the cold air is in place, look to the south to determine your "shovel days". The chart below is from Henry at Accuweather. He expects Cincinnati to get between 20" and 30" of snow this year.
FOLLOW THE FARMERS
When you livelihood depends on it...you take the time to do it right. According to the Muskegon Chronicle, "The Farmers' Almanac is predicting a cold, snowy winter in the Great Lakes region. In fact, the Almanac -- which claims to correctly predict long-term weather patterns 85 percent of the time -- is forecasting a repeat of last year's frigid, snowy winter." Check it out below...
"LET'S GET IT STARTED"
Some aren't waiting to the official start of winter...Here's what's happened already:
- North Carolina - had their earliest "Snow Day" ever on 10/29/08
- Ireland - hit with its lowest October temperature in 70 years
- Central Florida - 2nd coldest temperature ever recorded in October 10/29/08
- Boise Idaho - Earliest Snowfall on record 10/16/08
- Alaska - 3rd coldest summer on record
- UK - Earliest snow flurries on record 10/28/08
THE SUN IS FADING...KINDA
Finally, if all that above isn't enough, the sun has calmed. We've had a record LOW number of sunspots (Storms on the sun where solar energy shoots off) this year. 200 days this year did not have any sunspot activity. 2008 will go down as the blankest year of the space age as we hit the lowest number of sunspots in over 50 years.
WHAT'S IT ALL MEAN...
Weather Logic will be busy again this winter!
Keep It Close For All The Details!!!
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WEATHER FORECASTER
Take a look at the interactive weather forecaster. There is a weekly forecast as well as hour by hour and radar. Enjoy.
