Our colder than normal pattern has really been in place since mid October. Looking ahead, despite some potential brief “relaxation” from the cold a few days next week, the mid to long range pattern continues to look colder than normal. Here’s a look at December so far, temperature-wise. Note the presence of the southeast ridge keeping that particular portion of the lower 48 warmer than normal, so far. Everywhere else, the freezer door has been left open!
What a difference a year makes, snow-wise, as well! Here’s a look at the snow cover on this date last year compared to present. Amazingly, this year, nearly 64% of the country is snow covered compared to 31% on this date last year.
The combination of more than normal snow and colder air for the majority of the country can be traced back to the expanding snow pack across Canada earlier this fall. Now, the cold and snow are essentially in “feed back” mode with one another, as the overall pattern ahead is one that’s plenty cold…and snowy.
