Weather, Winter Style

Mild clime so far this season. Flurries early, but too warm to stick. Then some chilly days but still no winter weather. We got through November untouched. We got through most of December untouched. January, though, is another story.

With little weather of note – other than warmer than normal – forecasters appear to be overstating every forecast for precipitation. A snow flurry is upped to minor accumulations; minor accumulations are touted as possible 5 to 6 inches. Warmer than usual temperatures means that snow and rain will often be mixed. When temps are forecasted for much lower digits, the chance of snow escalates.

The last few days have been nonconsequential conditions. Snow was expected, however, just not much of it. Meanwhile, the 28-to-32-degree temperature spread suggested that we probably would receive a slush storm. And that’s exactly what we got early in the week. Some areas were hit with heavier falls at faster rates. Under such conditions, accumulations mount and driving becomes difficult until the plows and salters get to the surfaces. In most cases, this sort of storm is mildly inconvenient during the activity, but of no consequence afterward. Few can report otherwise.

Today, however, the forecast is for a major storm. The snow began mildly at 3 am, then gained power and density soon after. We awoke to a heavy rate of falling snow. Plows seem to be everywhere. If this keeps coming, frequent plowing will keep up with the accumulating snow and allow us to deal with it better. We can add faith to this forecast because the temperatures are headed down in a hurry on Saturday, Sunday. and Monday. Thus, we should prepare ourselves for a snowstorm.

Relativity is a factor of course. Having lived in central New York and western Massachusetts, storms of significance were those exceeding a foot or 18 inches of depth. Chicagoland counts such storms as a calamity. Hmmmmm. A foot fall snow can be survived in short order with some shoveling and sweeping. Planning ahead helps, too. Do grocery shopping before the storm. Make certain your gas tank if over half full, better to be full-up. Minimize appointments and replace with phone or Zoom discussions. In other words, stay out of everyone’s way while inclement weather is happening.

In a day or two we are could be to normal. We may have high snow banks and winter wonderlands to view, but sidewalk and road surfaces should be safe to use.

Better yet, take a few deep breaths and capture some perspective about our winter weather. An El Nino winter is warmer and less snowy than normal. What snow we get will soon melt away. Hindrances will be few. Save concern and panic to actual major storms.

And then enjoy them. They are abnormal and a treat for most of us. It is the cold season, and we live far above the equator. Freezing precipitation is expected no matter what. Welcome it.

January 12, 2024

 

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