March Feels A Whole Lot Like January

2014-03-16 16:40:22.000 – Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist

March sixteenth should be averaging around 13F (-10C), however, that is not the case this year. From midnight until 1600EDT today, we have been averaging -8F (-22C). This alone is a notable departure, but if models pan out this afternoon and overnight, that average is about to plunge even lower. As high pressure continues to build in from the west, a strong northwesterly flow will continue to push cold northern air in, dropping lows to around -20F (-29C). And if projected lows do become reality, there is even a chance that today’s daily record low of -19F (-28C) set in 1979, may be tied or broken. If all of this was the first cold spell of the year, it would be exciting; but this winter, it has been more of the norm than the exception and at this point, it is getting a bit worn out. And while I wish I could say that this was the last cold blast of the year, looking at modeled projections ahead, there’s plenty of more cold weather ahead, regardless of what month the calendar says. But time changes everything, so, while it may be cold now, I know milder days lie ahead. So, with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, I’ll raise a glass of juice (cause I don’t drink) to milder days ahead!

Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist