From Melody:

I just read the weather predictions by Caleb Weatherbee from my newsletter and cannot wait for winter to arrive! It has been so warm even for this area (Norfolk VA). Christmas just didn’t seem the same.

I do not understand our local weather people and why they all want it to stay warm - it seems like a sign of global warming - definitely not a good sign. Thanks for the information!

I have to say that this is one weird winter (so far). I am beginning to chalk it up to El Niño. There is more than enough cold stuck in Canada, but until the normal winter jet stream changes we are doomed or blessed with warmer temps. It can change quickly. One person told me that during El Niño years, it is warm at the start and snowy at the end of winter. I guess time will tell. So far, I am disappointed as well.

Next week I’ll be discussing Global Warming. We will also feature a poll to get your thoughts on what is happening long term. Caleb points out that there has been plenty of winter but so far the Midwest, Rockies and Northwest are the only ones to enjoy it.

by pgeiger
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What I love about the Internet is our reach to people around the world. I have had questions from Russia, Poland, Japan, etc. One year we had a writing contest and had entries from students in 14 countries. Today, I have a request from India.

I was very impressed by your weather forecasts and what people say about it. I stay in INDIA.

Is it possible to get similar weather forecast for INDIA (specifically DELHI)? If possible please let me know how I can get this.

Unfortunately, we only offer weather for the Continental US and Canada. Doing this for other parts of the world may or may not work but we are sticking with what has served us for the last 190 years. I always enjoy hearing from our worldwide audience.

Technorati Tags Forecasts

by pgeiger
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This push of cold, ice, and snow has brought with it a few comments about weather around the country.

The first is from the Lake Superior area.

I just read your message on Farmers’ Almanac and just to let you know we are cold, but it just started a few days ago. Before that, we were well above average temps and we live on the north shore with just a trace of snow. We usually have a lot of snow by this time, but it has all missed us. We got about 1 inch of snow on Thursday, but that is all we have in town. All around us has snow but us! The south shore has been hammered with snow. With no ground cover, the frost is going deep so I am sure we will be in trouble with our pipes soon.

Next is from Davenport, Iowa.

I fear it is going to be a tough summer and spring fore the Iowa Farmers. I am not a farmer or married to a farmer but I am always concerned for the agriculture here. Iowa is seemingly one of the lowest states in the income range. A lot of businesses have closed here in Davenport for several years now. Jobs are at a low. Our minimum wage is still at $5.15 an hour. I think that our biggest strength here is the farms and crops. So, I worry about the weather and the yields from the crops. This used to be a large industrial, agrarian area, but it seems that is changing.

Closing International Harvester and sending Cat away was scary. I hope the jet stream changes and we get a wet spring.

A third asks:

I was wondering if this weather pattern we are having is anything like the one we had in January of the year 1978, the year we had the great blizzard? I am a snow lover, and was wondering if Springfield, Ohio, is ever going to get any snow this year? So far, all we have had is a couple of flurries. Temperatures have been well above normal for this time of year, and lots of rain. Just wondering if you could shed some light on this, and if there will be any snow in the near future for Springfield, Ohio?

The best chance for snow is in February specifically the 4 - 7 and 8th - 11th. There are a couple other storms listed. I will just be happy for snow - any snow, any time.

My thoughts are going to the folks in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas. In January 1998 Northern New England lost its power for up to 14 days. Fallen trees and limbs were everywhere. It is a difficult moment, and the clean up will last months. Plus the damage done to trees will be evident for years. If there is any good this, it’s that such circumstances bring neighbors and communities together. In Maine, people with generators went door to door warming houses and then moving on. I know the strength of mankind is in doing for others. Our storm became a national event. We had power company trucks from as far away as Canada, North Carolina, and Hawaii arrive to help the stretched Central Maine Power crews. I expect the same will be true in the Midwest.

This is the cold and flu season. Here’s a reminder to cough without spreading gems. Go to www.coughsafe.com for a closer look at preventing the spread of colds.

Technorati Tags Winter

by pgeiger
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At great personal sacrifice, I sat in my hot tub last night for hours looking for the Northern Lights. I did not see them but they were visible in many parts of the US. Some spectacular shots are available on www.spaceweather.com. Since solar activity is light this time of the year, this was a bit unusual and a real treat.

I am beginning to get asked “where’s the winter weather??” Darn good question. As you know the Farmers’ Almanac is calling for a cold winter and unlike others we are not able to change our minds mid stream. Here is a message from a Canadian:

I checked the Internet to see what the almanac is saying for the winter predictions for 2006-2007 and so far I don’t think it is right. We are getting very mild temperatures and have not got any snow this month or very little. We are getting a lot of rain and it looks like we are not getting a white Christmas. Can you tell me what we could expect for the rest of the winter season. We live in the eastern part of Ontario (Toronto-Peterborough area)

If you live in the Midwest, Northwest or outside Buffalo, there has already been a major winter storms. There has been a good amount of snow in the Rockies for skiing. Much of the cold is “stuck” in Western Canada and has not snuck down into the U.S. yet because of the jet stream. That can change overnight.

So, is it a late start or a winter without snow. Stay tuned. Winter “officially” starts next week. Just don’t shoot the messenger.

There has been much coverage about people stuck or lost in blizzards this year. This has prompted a few TV reports about what to do. Last week I devoted one blog to driving in rain and another on how to Survive a Blizzard. If you did not see these, click on the appropriate blog. No question that it is a good idea to pack a blanket, shovel, flashlight and other supplies for winter driving. There have been cases of people making the right and wrong decisions when lost. Best thing to do is to be prepared. It may be warm outside today, but when it comes, you want to have the equipment to survive. Leave a survival kit in your car all winter.

Have a good weekend. Happy shopping.

Technorati Tags Winter

by pgeiger
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We read about Big Storms from time to time. The Midwest had a rude awakening to winter a couple weeks ago. We are still digging out from the Hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004 and, of course, Katrina in 2005. There was another storm with such force that people died trying to save others. It has become known as the Blizzard of 1978. It occurred on February 6 when the Captain of a 600-foot oil tanker (Global Hope) radioed a distress call to the Coast Guard. Two large cutters were dispatched from Boston and a 44-foot patrol boat from Gloucester rushed to assist. The cutters made slow progress against the seas but the patrol boat moved along before running into trouble.

Back in the port of Gloucester, Frank Quirk, captain of a 50-foot pilot boat named the Can Do, was monitoring the situation and made the fateful decision to go and help with the rescue. The rest of the story is chronicled in a book called Ten Hours Until Dawn: The Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do.

Why mention it now? On pages 60 - 64 of the 2007 Farmers’ Almanac, Michael Tougias presented an excerpt from his book we call “The Other Perfect Storm.” This story will be featured on the Weather Channel: Coast Guard Storm Stories. The Blizzard of ‘78 airs at 7pm EST on December 17, with an encore on Thursday December 21st at 7:30pm EST. If you enjoy stories of courage, I recommend the book and this offering on Television this Sunday.

On Saturday ( December 16th) evening 5 - 7pm I will be autographing 2007 Farmers’ Almanacs at a Grand Opening of a Boarders Bookstore in Brunswick Maine. And, If you are looking for weather related holiday gifts, check out our web store. Our offerings are value priced and we ship within 24 hours.

Technorati Tags Blizzard

by pgeiger
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The Mid West is getting hit with its first major snowstorm today. I expect this will be one of many to be seen Coast to Coast this winter. As such let me share what to do should you get trapped in your car during a blizzard. It is my hope this never happens, but:

• Stay in the car. Do not leave the car for assistance unless help is within a 100 yards.

• Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna.

• Occasionally run the engine to keep warm. Turn on the engine for 10 minutes each hour and run the heater.

• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe free of snow and when the engine is running crack a downwind window for ventilation.

• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. This includes clapping your hands, move arm and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.

• For warmth, huddle with others.

•Use newspapers, maps and floor mats for added insulation.

• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather strains the heart. Shoveling snow or pushing a car might bring on a heart attack.

Before heading out for the day, check the following:

• Gas up - have plenty of gas in your vehicle for any unexpected delay.

• Wind Chill - this is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined.

• Winter storm Watches and Warnings. A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may be in your area.

• A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way.

• A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.

If any of these forecasts are predicted and you have to drive, consider staying home. If not, bring extra blankets, shovel and other tools to help, should you get stuck in a blizzard.

Technorati Tags Blizzard

by pgeiger
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