Many would think that Connecticut’s snowiest winter was before the “Climate Change” discussions that started in the early ’90’s. Official records have been kept since 1903 with Rentschler Field in 1938, moved to Brainard Field in 1939 and finally moving to its current location at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in 1954. Officially the winter of 1995-1996 measured 115.2″ for the season followed 86.4″ in 2010-2011. The average seasonal snowfall in Hartford is 52″. With 35.2″ of snowfall this season it will be on track to make the top 10 snowiest season if this persistent cold continues for another 8 weeks. Long range National Weather Service predictions are for well below temperatures through February.

The Phrase “no two snowflakes are alike is scientifically accepted as true. Each snowflake follows a unique path through the atmosphere, encountering countless variations in temperature, humidity and air currents, which dictates its intricate and individual structure making the chance of two complex as one being identical astronomically small. Take a look for yourself next there’s a snow event.

Something new to find potential winter storm impacts for your community. Expected winter storms are given an “impact rating” in 6 categories ranging from “No Impacts” to “Extreme Impacts”. This product combines forecasts such as snow amount, snow load and blowing snow to come up with an all-encompassing forecast. This WWSI is new and you will hear more about it as winter storms make more an impact on our area.

A series of cold snaps this month seems to have settled in. This pattern will continue except for a warmup next week follow by another invasion of polar air before Christmas. Most of these polar outbreaks have been moisture starved for southern New England. With a little luck a low pressure could get its act together as the dry cold air mixes with warmers Atlantic water and creates a storm which would be a snow maker. Even though the odds are slim with only 2 white Christmases since the turn of the century I’m betting on a 40% chance.

Stay tuned,

This December will likely have an active pattern the last half of the month due to the Polar Vortex invading the region from the north pole with an expansive area of unstable very cold air. Depending on the location numerous low-pressure systems form along the peripheral outer edge of the Polar Vortex where warmer air with abundant moisture creates snow and ice storms. With that said, the stakes are higher this year for a canopy of white covering the ground this Christmas season. The last one was in 2021 with only 5 since start of this century.

As you’re dreaming of sugar plum fairies you may be awaken by the snowplow one night very soon.

Inspirations for my Octobers walks has always been top of mind for me after reading Hal Borlands “Twelve Moons Of The Year” daily. Hal was America’s best-loved writers on nature and published a weekly report in the New York Times editorial page on the day-to-day events for everyday through the four seasons captivating the rhythm of change on the daily observations in Litchfield County here in Connecticut. Thanks to Hal Borland my walks on the meandering trails throughout our state made me closely aware of the subtle changes in nature from one season to next. Hal’s words would always resonate the messages he inscribed within me on the beauty of the 10th month of the year. The enhanced blue skies, spectacular woodland color, a cidery tang in the air from the nearby apple orchards, all the folklore about the upcoming winter from the wooly bear caterpillars predicting a mild or cold winter by the color and width of their bands. And of course, the falls perennial wildflower white and purple Asters on edges of paths and country roadsides. You notice that summer is finally over after your walk is completed and you look up to see and hear the migrating geese flying in a symmetrical V formation to their southern destination.

Thanks, Hal for showing me the way this October.

If you’re dreaming of an old fashion winter, it looks now that we’re getting one. After several years of barely getting our snow blowers out of the garage and not having to sharpen our ice skates, mother nature will have a way to even the score. Winter is poised to deliver dynamic and evolving weather conditions with Nor’easters scrambling up the eastern seaboard especially in the second half of the winter season. Arctic outbreaks will be more numerous in this part of the country. Winter may start a touch milder than normal but trend colder in January.

About our chances of a white Christmas this year? 50/50.