Using Wood to Keep Warm

by Peter Geiger | Friday, February 6th, 2009 | From: Farmers' Almanac Blog

Yesterday, 90% of the US was in a deep freeze. Looks like this weekend will be the much anticipated but pushed back “January thaw”. My blog on Surviving the Cold has provided a number of comments. For those of us who use wood, there is a sense of independence from oil and gas companies. Others feel that wood is dirty, messy and not worth the effort. Here is a comment from Robert about the benefit of wood burning.

“Talk about wood is work, it warms you up at least 7 times, cutting splitting and stacking! You handle each piece of wood at least 7 times before it’s all stacked and covered for the winter! Sometimes I used to remember an individual piece of wood that would hit me in the shin or pinched my finger, and I still had to handle it a few more times.“

So, those of us who use firewood get all the benefits of cutting, splitting, hauling, stacking, bringing indoors and the occasional ding to our hands and shins. Yes, there are easier ways to do it, but not with so much exercise and the complete satisfaction of eventually collapsing in front of a fire and knowing you are going to stay comfortably warm.

Another blog mentioned our 10 Best Weather Cities. I got a “vote” today for Wichita, Ks. It is sunny 70% of the time. Here is what I can tell you about this city. Highest recorded temperature – 113 degrees (F), Lowest recorded temperature – -21 degrees (F), Rainy days (over .01 inches) – 86, Average snowfall – 15.7inches, Average Humidity – 58%.

There is so much that goes into making a community special. Weather is only one consideration. If you love your community, tell me about it. Sometimes I think it is the weather that makes the residents hearty….. even builds character.

Peter Geiger is the Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. Read his full biography here.

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Farmers' Almanac Long Range Weather

February 8th - February 11th

United States

Canada

Northeast U.S.
Wet snow mixed with rain Mid-Atlantic north through New England; slushy accumulations of 4+" possible.
Midwest/Great Lakes U.S.
Accumulating snows Kentucky, Ohio, then clearing. Fair elsewhere.
Southeast U.S.
Wet snow Tennessee, western North Carolina; wintry mix northern Mississippi, Alabama. Elsewhere, rain, then clearing.
North Central U.S.
Drier, much colder.
South Central U.S.
Snow parts of Arkansas, then clearing, cold. Clear, much colder elsewhere.
Northwest U.S.
Drier, but colder.
Southwest U.S.
Drier, but noticeably colder.