Where Has Winter Gone?

Technically, meteorologists have been in “winter mode” since December first.  We consider the winter months to be December, January, & February.  Here we are, day 15, and a check at the climate data shows us on the “plus” side of the equation.  We even had a colder than average stretch of weather between the 3^rd and 9^th, but despite that our highs and lows still come out to be about 4 degrees warmer than average.  Looking ahead the next 7 days, there is no real cold weather in sight.

 

Meanwhile, out west, the Pacific Northwest has been pummeled with powerful storms.  The jet stream has been slamming in moisture from the Pacific and then running rather “high” and dry across the lower 48.  This fast, “Zonal”, flow in the atmosphere keeps the cold stuff locked north in Canada.  Fronts that come through here have little upper level support and do little than to bring us some rain and switch the wind direction around.  I see this pattern persisting into next week.

 

In other news, my buddy Bill in Newland reported some Northern Lights spotting Thursday night.  He said they looked green.  *I* am green with envy.  I fancy myself celebrating the Winter Solstice up in Iceland checking out the Aurora.  But my reality check has me frantically cleaning my house in anticipation of my relatives coming over for Christmas…

 

Happy Holidays to all of you!