Ben’s B;log
In my weather story this week, I explained how cool tropical Pacific water known as a La Nina episode, had developed. We experienced La Nina last winter, as well. There has been a similarity in rain/ice/snowfall patterns comapred to last winter, favoring heavy snow across the northern tier of states with occasional modified blasts of cold air in the East. Heavy snow has stayed north and west of central Ohio given the northerly track of storms coming in from the Pacific.
However, La Nina is not the only influence on our weather, and a blocking ridge in the Atlantic will help force colder air southward into the eastern half of the country this week, but result in limited available moisture for storms that will come in the form of a barrage of clipper systems. Fast-moving, moisture-starved Alberta Clippers will bring light snow accumulations but surges of cold air will be sharp. It is difficult to gauge longer-term patterns, though we know how last winter turned colder and snowier in February and early March.
So we’ll have to see if La Nina remains a significant player as the second half of the winter kicks into gear.
