The first couple of weeks of January were calm, and the temperatures were not too bad and then winter decided to go wild and freeze us in our tracks.
Winter storms were affecting a large portion of the country and, not to be left out, a huge system hit the region reducing visibilities and turning roads into skating rinks, with snow that accumulated about 6 inches before turning to sleet as warmer air got into the storm ahead of schedule.
Days later the region watched carefully as another major storm came up the East Coast bringing heavy snow and bitter cold once again. Wind chills were in the minus 20-degree range as our temperatures plummeted to lows we haven’t seen in a while. If you were looking for a dose of real winter, January was your month.
Thanks to a heavy sleet presence in the snow our precipitation for the month finished a little bit better than we thought before the snow.
Precipitation averages 2.79 inches in January, and our total was 1.71 inches, so we start off a new year below average by 1.08 inches. The snow/sleet combo produced a total of 1.33 inches of water equivalent. That’s when snow and sleet are melted and measured as water. Had we missed out on the snow, our month’s precipitation would have been only .38 inches.
The maximum temperature for January was a mild 57 degrees and the minimum temperature dropped to a bone chilling minus 5 degrees. The average maximum temperature for the month was 37.2 degrees while the average minimum was 18.1 degrees. Temperatures were in the 50s for six days, eight days remained in the 40s, eight days stayed in the 30s, eight days were in the 20s and just one day failed to get out of the teens.
Total snow for the month was 9 inches in the Queen City. January was scattered with advisories, watches and warnings thanks to a very active pattern.
The Climate Prediction Center issued some chilling news for February. Temperatures are going to remain below normal and precipitation could be above, below or about average for the month. The outlook for February, March and April indicates slightly above normal temperatures and precipitation is predicted to be slightly below average.
With the advent of more below-average temperatures, here is some winter information to help you get through.
Don’t forget your pets. Even with a natural fur coat, winter can be deadly unless proper care is given. Keep them warm and dry and indoors whenever possible. Provide plenty of food and water. Dehydration is especially dangerous in winter, when outside, keep your pet bundled up. Limit outside time, and thoroughly clean (including paws) when bringing them in.
You’re driving on the interstate when a snow squall warning is issued. What should you do? If a snow squall is issued, delay travel. If you’re already driving, safely exit the road at the next opportunity. If you cannot exit the road in time, slow down and avoid slamming the brakes, turn on your lights. Low beam headlights and hazard lights are in order. Pull safely to the side of the road and remain in the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened.
When driving in the ice and snow, take it slow. Clean off your vehicle before driving. Flying snow from cars causes accidents. Don’t use cruise control. Roads can be very slick even if they just look wet. Leave extra distance between vehicles. Stay especially far from snowplows.
Caught outdoors in a winter storm? Find shelter! If there’s no shelter, build a lean-to or snow cave for protection. Build a fire for heat. Cover exposed body parts and try to stay dry. This will help against hypothermia. Melt snow for drinking water. Avoid eating unmelted snow, which can lower body temperature to deadly levels. Avoid being caught in a storm by checking the latest forecast. Exercise occasionally and move limbs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep you warm.
The countdown to spring is on with a little more than 40 days to go. We gathered an additional 60 minutes of daylight this month and the angle of the sun is getting higher every day. Meteorologically speaking, we’re now past the coldest and darkest part of winter. Time to sit back and start making some plans for this year’s beach trip. Until next month relax and enjoy!