logo
Welcome (Meteorological) Winter
news image
Special Stories
1 Dec 2018 8:00 AM
On Saturday, we turn the page of our calendars to December.  When speaking in terms of weather and climate, we also begin a new season!  Meteorological Winter begins on December 1st. You may be thinking to yourself, “Wait, doesn’t Winter begin at the solstice?”  Indeed it does.  For millennia, people have been using the astronomical calendar to track all four seasons.  The natural rotation of the Earth around the Sun forms the basis of this calendar.  Seasons are defined by two solstices and two equinoxes.  The tilt of the Earth and the alignment of the Sun over the equator determine the solstices and equinoxes.  When using the astronomical seasonal calendar, then, Winter begins on December 21st this year. The meteorological seasonal calendar, in contrast, is based on the annual temperature cycle.  Meteorologists and climatologists break the seasons down into groupings of three months.  Statistically speaking, Winter (December, January, February) is the coldest time of year and Summer (June, July, August) is the warmest.  Spring and Fall are the transitional seasons in between. By using complete months and monthly increments, it is much easier to compute seasonal “normals” and averages.  This allows the general public to better understand weather and climate trends and helps industries such as commerce and agriculture plan their year. https://youtu.be/ezhXuorqDkQ   There are some interesting trends forecast in the Climate Prediction Center’s outlook for Meteorological Winter 2018-2019.  Much of the northern and western United States—especially the Pacific Northwest—may witness warmer than normal temperatures. As for precipitation, the southern United States may experience more rain than normal.  Depending on temperature, that may include ice and snow as well.  Northern Florida and southern Georgia have the best chance for more precipitation.  The Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions may end up drier than normal during this period. If you haven’t already, give WeatherNation a follow on Twitter and Facebook and we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop with all the top weather stories this Winter. –Meteorologist Joe Astolfi
All Weather News
Another Atmospheric River Slams California with Flooding Rain & Mountain Snowfall
Another Atmospheric River Slams California with Flooding Rain & Mountain Snowfall
The California snowpack statewide is over dou
22 Mar 2023 2:35 AM
Avalanches in Colorado Claim the Lives of Two - Avalanche Alerts Continue this Week
Avalanches in Colorado Claim the Lives of Two - Avalanche Alerts Continue this Week
FOUR CORNERS - Fresh snow is leading to unsta
22 Mar 2023 2:30 AM
Energy Prompts Severe Storms in the Plains Before Heavy Rain in the Northeast
Energy Prompts Severe Storms in the Plains Before Heavy Rain in the Northeast
Our next big storm system will sweep across t
22 Mar 2023 2:25 AM
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
An upper-level low-pressure system from the P
22 Mar 2023 2:25 AM
Winter Storm Warnings in the Northern Plains Tonight
Winter Storm Warnings in the Northern Plains Tonight
Winter weather alerts remain in effect for no
22 Mar 2023 2:00 AM
Heavy Rain & Flood Threat for the Ohio Valley Late Week
Heavy Rain & Flood Threat for the Ohio Valley Late Week
In addition to severe storms, heavy rain is e
22 Mar 2023 1:20 AM
Record Cold to Record Heat for the Southeast
Record Cold to Record Heat for the Southeast
Temperatures have been much below average ove
21 Mar 2023 5:55 PM