weatherpruf

It's winter, we're more likely to see some snow than not, so there's that....completely snowless or very low snow winters are not the norm either, though we've had some stretches, 97-01 being the longest in recent decades...where nothing much happened.

Some epic stinkers in there, makes me wonder just how predictive all this really is. That 87 storm surprised me; that had to be more than 8.1 in the suburbs; it was a particularly disastrous one, starting late morning and getting to whiteout conditions by noon.

I do remember experts saying that they did not expect such a parade of storms in 10-11, and had not called for it, but the -NAO overrode the conditions. That is how I recall the discussion anyway.

You are right about fishing, and yes i am looking to go where the weather is more amenable to that at some point. I believe we have not exceeded our averages by much if at all in terms of snowfall, not in my region. Mild winters around here DO NOT mean better fishing; the ocean is still cold enough, and rough enough ( as "mild" warmups are often accompanied by strong southerly winds ) that it has no real benefit. The fish are still offshore and cost lots of money to get to. And the limits on them hardly make it worthwhile. I don't care for frequent huge blizzards either, to be honest ( although they are cool once in awhile....and they only really happen once in awhile )but some 6-8 inch events every year would be nice to see. Instead, we are getting those cold rains in April and May, then more rainy weather in October. And don't forget the frequent tropical storms offshore in late summer; each one roils the ocean for a week. It has been really tough. 60 degree days in December and fresh herbs still coming out of my garden as of this morning, I find extremely disturbing. I have people in Maine, and i would not choose to live there, but not because of the snow ( which they handle very well ) but because there isn't enough going on unless you like chopping a lot of wood, and I can attest to that after going there yearly for 20 years. I've seen many, many winters that are a "warm" drizzly sulk. These kinds of winters are actually more depressing for most people than snow, which actually lifts peoples' moods. Frankly though, if it weren't for some snow, I wouldn't even choose to live in a place like this. Again, who needs a whole season of cool rain? I'd go where the weather is actually nice in the winter. Probably will. Cheers.

Haven't you had your fill? I mean, much warmer than what we've had and we might as well be in S Carolina...and I don't just mean this year. Mild winters have been the norm in my lifetime, outside a few wild years in the 2000's and 2 years in the 90's...

It was not for many, many people here as well. One storm delivered 6-8 in March for us, the last one. Even the Jan storm struggled to get above 6 here. It has been years since we've seen more than around 6-8 for even a really good storm here. Now that's fine with me, if they happen a few times. If you're at elevation, different story. But I gotta say, I'm not missing the cold that much. It'll be back.

Jan 2016 around here....other than that its been some March storms where I broke the snowblower out just to get it running, as there really is no need to to clean a few inches of snow in March. With rare exceptions ( IMBY ) like March 93, it's going to be gone in a day or two. Sometimes the same day!

Last spring was a disaster. We were having cold, seriously cold, rains in May. I didn't plant until June, and that's really late for me. As an aside it was the best year I've ever had for sweet banana peppers, my freezer is stuffed with them. Picked em right up until the first hard frost in Nov.

Thanks for the breakdown. Always appreciated.

How much forward Anthony? I've come to suspect any models that keep pushing the cold 6-10 days away.

I'm sure something will pop up, just hope it isn't a nearly 3 month wait between snows like last year. Overall in terms of snow last year was close to a stinker IMBY, as was the year before. However, a blockbuster winter is probably not likely. We'll know more in a few weeks.

Hard to disagree, but in truth rather depressing.

Science absolutely helps drive public policy, and in a big way. From anti-smoking campaigns to the food pyramid to exercise recommendations and the dangers of mercury and lead paint, science drives public policy. Problem is, public policy is often too slow to implement changes in a timely fashion. For example, we know teenagers need more sleep than others, and have known this for a long time. Yet schools are only now realizing they should be starting the school day later. We also know that feeding children in school improves outcomes. Yet policy makers argue about this....absolutely no disrespect intended here, you are highly regarded for good reason in these parts.

Agreed. It's tempting to get baited in by these things. Like I said, we all need some interesting weather to talk about. Have fun on your trip. Yeah, we need a snowstorm. Even a little one at this point...

It doesn't, but people with higher IQ's tend to acquire them both and more quickly and easily than others. IQ tests actually measure these areas. In fact, it would be very hard to score a higher IQ at the full scale if you couldn't recognize "common sense" or had limited worldly experience. Take this common question from the most used test; What would you do if you saw smoke coming from a window? Answer; call the fire dept. And next? Go get help ( or some variation ). Some kids will stop at call the fire dept; one we tested said he would just let the professionals handle it. Wrong answer.

Yeah I don't trust anyone too friendly with Russia either. Sorry, Unc, I couldn't resist that one; ya gift wrapped it for me. But you know I luv ya brother.

So you don't really have the truck....

It's the boring mild weather....we need a storm to talk about. Gotta admit, it was nice hiking in the morning, will be even nicer this afternoon. It was cool but with little wind, I was getting toasty...

This is sarcasm, right?

Sanders is not a communist. He is a Democratic Socialist, running as a Democrat ( though I don't think he should be, just my opinion, as he never identified as one ). There is a communist party in the US. They have their own candidates. There is also a socialist party. They too run their own candidates. They do not always make it to every ballot though.

I have been in education for 31 years. Today's students are among the brightest I have ever seen.

What exactly will happen due to climate change is open for discussion, but its existence as fact is not. Always side with the facts. If politicians actually did this, we'd be a much happier world. But I think we should all take this to the climate section, or feel the wrath of the moderators. TBH, it doesn't belong here. Slow weather week.We are all bored with it, I get that.

Facts are not debatable. I studied history as an undergrad. We had our share of deniers there too. One does not debate with them.

You give us hope, old friend; helps us through the tough times....

Enlighten us.