Winter winds

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We here in S.E. Michigan are getting our first winter like wind storm of the season. These heavy south west or west winds are not unheard of but are by no means the norm this early in the season.

We have a pretty good "seiche" going on right now. Lake levels on Lake Erie have already dropped a couple of feet and continue to drop. The water will stay out until the winds die off. These seiches are far more common in November.

Is this the beginning of a long, cold winter? Temps today have dropped almost 20 degrees from yesterdays temps. Highs here today only in the mid 60's. It feels SOOOOO good compared to the heat and humidity we just left two days ago in Houston.

 

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Is this the beginning of a long, cold winter? Temps today have dropped almost 20 degrees from yesterdays temps. Highs here today only in the mid 60's. It feels SOOOOO good compared to the heat and humidity we just left two days ago in Houston.

It's a lot cooler in Houston now than it was 2 days ago. It might get up to 87° today. Right now at noon it's 81°.

This past Monday the Farmer's Almanac released its ling-term Winter Forecast for 2010-2011. It calls for an overall kinder, gentler winter than last year. Full story here: Farmers' Almanac 2011 Weather Prediction

For the eastern third of the country (New England down to Florida and as far west as the Mississippi River), forecasters predict "much colder-than-normal winter temperatures" -- but generally not as frigid as conditions felt last winter, which saw 49 states experience snowfall. New England in particular should be sure to bundle up, as forecasters predict a "cold slap in the face" compared with last year's uncharacteristically mild winter for the region.

Across the Western states (Pacific Coast to the Rockies), a "milder-than-normal" winter is expected. The Midwest and central states should expect about normal winter temperatures.

"Overall, it looks like it's going to be a kinder and gentler winter, especially in the areas that had a rough winter last year," managing editor Sandi Duncan told The Associated Press.

So, the Farmers’ Almanac winter forecast for 2010-2011 is milder in the west, colder in the east and normal in the middle. Sounds like Espar heater weather to me.

 

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Last winter saw a weak El Nino. If things follow weather history this winter should see a La Nina. It is something to watch. Last winter was pretty darn cold and saw a lot more snow than we had been seeing. Odd for an El Nino year. It should have been warmer and drier than normal.