Posted by: @stargazer

Again, not terribly unusual for us, but it will still be a shock after this warm winter so far.

That's it, isn't it? The plunging temperatures (starting tomorrow here, and throughout next week, at the least) are normal for January, but after our very mild December, -20 (incl. windchill) kind of takes one aback.  

Our wintry storm has begun. I felt the first few flakes when I stepped outside for my evening walk at 5:10 tonight; within ten minutes the snow thickened, then by twenty minutes, visibility was getting tricky, particularly when, by then, the sun had just set and twilight was in full force. 'Twas verrrry pretty with that 'blue air' look of a snowy night015—that mysterious time between sunset and complete darkness. I absolutely love that!

I had to shorten my walk by about almost half, as the roads were becoming quite slick, and we don't have any sidewalks in our village. That was disappointing as I love walking in thickly falling snow, but it was becoming unsafe, so homeward bound. By the time I reached our house, visibility was becoming less and less, and the snow falling much more thickly. I looked rather akin to a snowman at that point. I love how the snow, against the few lights there are, was swirling and twirling and dancing with a beautiful wild gracefulness.

We have kept some bright green lights on our evergreen up front (nicknamed 'Charlie' because he was a Charlie Brown tree when we were first gifted him ); he looks fantastic in the falling snow, shedding light on the white landscape around his needle-skirts with a lovely, gentle green glow.

The snow is continuing overnight, even possibly quite wet for a few hours, before temperatures drop, drop, drop, and drier snow continues tomorrow. Now, this is winter! Our snow will definitely be staying around this week as Arctic air settles in for what looks to be a good, long stay.  

Pardon for the long post ... I get reminiscing down near the end.  

And I thought last night was cold at -20C (incl windchill) / -4F, but very late tonight will hit the jackpot for this week ...  nearly -30C / -22F (again, with windchill). Last night's temperature (sans windschill) at -8 is not going to change at all today, and is just going to become colder as the afternoon progresses until it reaches its peak (or, rather, valley ) of -17C / 1.4F in the couple of hours just before dawn tomorrow morning. 

Our flurries and terrifically blowing snow continue, with winds gusting up to 60 kms / 37 mph. While the winds were stronger yesterday and last night, they show no sign of settling down to a reasonable speed until early tomorrow morning. 

I would estimate we have received between 10-12" of this beautiful, pristine snow over the past 30 hours, but as there is so much blowing, with drifts piled up, it looks to be a less on the level.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the temperatures are to remain well below freezing all week, both daytime and nighttime, with more snowfall possibilities on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, but those days without the heavier snowfall, flurries will continue to fall.   This is great news, especially considering much of our December was so pitifully warm, relative to what our typical lovely and colder Decembers are like. 

I will never forget the year my husband was in the Congo on business (2016). It was December 9, and a foot of snow fell the night before. So stunningly beautiful. Anyway, I am waiting to hear from our youngest son if he had passed his CFE (Common Final Examination, which is the culmination of the Certified Public Accountant Professional Education Program, years of study). He had written the three-day exam in September, after which the group had to wait three months for results. I was out shoveling our long driveway when the call came in that he had passed. Moments like that really stand out in one's mind. Getting this great news while surrounded outdoors by such gorgeous, fresh beauty was indeed memorable! (I then texted my husband all the way across the world to let him know.)

When our temps are this cold, walking in the early morning and early evening is quite tricky, especially on our country (no sidewalks) roads which are very much snow-covered, and slippery in spots. So, for this time of year, I switch my walking to mid-day, when it is still nice 'n cold and snowy, but not quite so frigid.   And I swim lengths 2-3 times/week: this is definitely not out-of-doors.  

That's an impressive storm, Jo! I've also been watching coverage of that same storm as it passed south of here, bringing cold and snow to areas like Kansas, Iowa, and Wisconsin. We got about 17 snowflakes from it (the ground is barely covered), but even the southern suburbs, maybe 35 miles from here, got up to 8 inches/200mm.

Here it's about the cold, and even that isn't terribly unusual here, except in this warmer-than-usual winter. Wind-chill advisories are out, with values approaching -40F/C even during the day.

Low temperatures in the city are around -8F/-22C, and today we might get up to 1F/-16C. As is typical, temperatures in northern Minnesota are much colder, with highs around -16F/-27C, and that's without wind chill.

Wind chills may remain below 0F/-17C most of the week.

Posted by: @stargazer

We got about 17 snowflakes from it (the ground is barely covered)

When it comes to rain, my dad refers to it like this....
"We got 2" of rain. There was 2" between every raindrop on the ground." 
It applies to snow too.  

Began with drizzly rain, but by lunchtime I had done 3 loads of washing. Quite a pleasant day, not too hot, not too cold.

And meanwhile it's snowing in Cheshire this morning... whereas on the other side of the world, my folks in Australia have the air conditioning on!

Posted by: @stargazer

Wind chills may remain below 0F/-17C most of the week.

Likewise here, stargazer. This certainly is an 'Arctic'-type week. I am so glad we finally have proper winter weather!

Posted by: @jo

So, for this time of year, I switch my walking to mid-day, when it is still nice 'n cold and snowy, but not quite so frigid.

I have changed that up. It is most difficult walking when the winds are very strong, but if they are mild, it is one of the best times of year to get out walking. The very gusty winds subsided yesterday, so I determined to get out this morning for a walk. I am SO happy that I made this effort (from 5:45 - 6:50 am). The temperature was -15C / 5F, and with the slight windchill, -20C / -4F.

Everything was hushed with all the snow cover, under the night sky; light flurries were falling; every step echoed that wonderful-sounding 'crunch' in the snow. The snowstorm was over long enough (it eased Sunday night/Monday morning) that the snow was somewhat packed on the side of the road (we have no sidewalks in our village), which gave very decent grip for my well-treaded, reliable shoes. I saw only a handful of cars on the roads, although the farms were sure active.

Going west was chillier, as the bit of wind and snow flurries came from that direction, but heading east, comparatively, it felt almost mild. I could have gone on for hours! No night sky was to be seen, as there was a thick cloud cover, bringing those flurries swirling down. 

The most challenging part was around  my favourite sky-viewing spot, the Old Silo. The tractor had not been on the long path from the farm to the next road for 24 hours. Hence, the snow blew in there strong again, which caused me to sink 5-6" every step, ha. This sure was good exercise, I'll give it that!  

Tonight we are dropping colder again, with a stronger wind factor around -30C / -22F. So, walking will wait until the blustery wind dies down, therefore swimming is on deck for tomorrow morning!  

This week, aside from a few bitterly cold, windy, low visibility times, has been wonderful for walking! Because of the cold, the snow has stayed, and has been added on to regularly by an inch or two each day.   The temperature when I walk in the mornings (in general from 6-7 am) has been around -11C / 12F, always with a bit of a windchill, so around -15C / 5F. Really beautiful. I love standing by the Old Silo and gazing east in the dark pre-dawn sky over the vast snow-covered farmers' fields, with a few twinkling lights from farms in the distance, and flurries falling about me, the fresh snow crunching underfoot every time I move. Magical! 

Thankfully a kind farmer has brought his tractor through the Old Silo's path now, so I'm not sinking into the snow well above ankle level every time I take a step (see my previous post).  

More snow is expected today with a cold front coming through this afternoon and into tomorrow. Sadly, starting on Tuesday next week, the temperature will rise to a few degrees above freezing, bringing with it some rain, possibly mixed with snow. This being mid-winter here still, this thaw should be temporary, and hopefully we will be back to snow soon enough. 

Clouds continue to dominate, and during the dawn in the morning and the dusk at night, they add to the gorgeous 'blue air light' of the winter's snow. Nowhere is there clear pavement. So, in walking, that snow-crunch is ever-present, plus I love the feel (and challenge) of driving on/through the snow into town.  

Glad you're enjoying winter, Jo!

Our temperatures have been fairly consistent over the past week or so, ranging from about -8F at night to perhaps 10F by day (-22C to -12C) - pretty typical as this is statistically the coldest time of the year here.

The amazing part is lack of snow. We've had a paltry 7.2 inches (183mm) of snow all season - way below average. Southern places like St. Louis and Memphis have received more than that in single storms recently. The ground here is barely covered in snow; meanwhile, friends in southern places are posting pictures showing more snow in their yards than we've had all winter.

Another warmup is also forecast for us next week, with temperatures approaching 40F/4C and even a chance of rain. What an odd winter this is, even for El Nino.

I've been out for a while... it was because I didn't have internet access due to freezing cold weather conditions. We've had snow and freezing rain. Some of the areas were without power. Even the schools were closed.

@jo I hope you always let others know where you are walking, and how long you expect to be. Potential for slipping or falling, and we don't want you turning into a snow hobbit!

Meanwhile we are having a warm time in NZ, with temperatures reaching 30 or so, rather too warm to do much outside. How pleasant to leave windows open for a breeze, and lurk indoors with a book and cold drinks!

And someone in my neighbourhood has given me a pair of cane chairs and a matching table, that they were giving away, which are just right for my deck. Now I can get rid of the old seats I was using.

Good to have you back, @jasmine_tarkheena! Yes, the cold, wintry weather has certainly made itself known across North America this past week. I'm glad you're safe.

Posted by: @coracle

@jo I hope you always let others know where you are walking, and how long you expect to be. Potential for slipping or falling, and we don't want you turning into a snow hobbit!

When I walk in the early morning, it is before hubby goes to work (usually), and when I walk in the early evening, more people are awake in their homes if I need something. I always carry my cell phone, wear a reflective vest, carry a Fox 40 whistle, and have a bright waist light. Wherever I go, even out of the village, there are always houses or farms within sight. Plus, neighbours here know I walk regularly (except for in the summer ). Thanks!  

Right now, at deep twilight, everything is that lovely, mysterious wintry blue outside. Even the air itself seems coloured. Beautiful! A cold night is ahead, and the roads will be very slippery early tomorrow, so it's a swimming morning instead! 

Posted by: @jo

Right now, at deep twilight, everything is that lovely, mysterious wintry blue outside. Even the air itself seems coloured. Beautiful! A cold night is ahead, and the roads will be very slippery early tomorrow, so it's a swimming morning instead! 

Norway has had an unusually cold and snowy winter, not only in the north, but also in the south where I live. Up in Oslo, the capital, dozens of buses have been cancelled - some of them because of too much snow, but also because lots of electricity driven buses couldn't be charged fast enough.

Down here in Halden, on the coast as well, but further south than Oslo, we've had more snow and frost than there has been for years. We've been down on minus 10 C, even down to 19 - so the roads are very, very cold. Then today and tomorrow there will be rain.

The weather forecast says 'lots of ice'. Lots of schools and other institutions will be closed down tomorrow, and they say 'don't travel if you possibly can avoid it'. I went to town yesterday (by bus) and did some shopping, so I'm glad I won't need to go anywhere far tomorrow. Perhaps a five minutes walk or two, but no more than that.

Slippery roads are what I like the least about winter. The cold can be countered with warm clothes; if there's too much snow, I can always avoid it - but if a road that I need to go, is covered in ice, I'm not happy about it at all. I have protection under the soles of my boots, and if I walk slowly, I should manage - but I'll have to take a walk within the nearest hour, and I'm a bit worried.

Take good care, @Varna!

This morning's walk was one of the best, I would rate it. It has been weeks since we have seen any significant night sky, but this morning was an exception until near the end of my walk, when a huge cloud mass came out of the west and devoured the sky within a half hour. The temperature was 18C / 0F, with very little wind. Everything was glistening and sparkling under the night sky, as a little fresh  snow fell overnight again. Crisp and invigorating in every way!

The farm tractor was just finishing its leveling of the Old Silo path as I approached, so I waved my thanks and headed that-a-way. All was still, hushed, and white under that beautiful night sky, so I stood for quite awhile by the Silo (and other places) simply gazing upwards and taking in all that stunning beauty. (I will definitely be posting in the Astronomy thread later!)

It looks like we have more snow arriving  tomorrow and Tuesday, but then the temperatures rise above freezing (boooo!) a few degrees, which could bring rain or wet snow in the latter part of the week. However, our snow season is far from done, so we are hoping for another few good storms over the next couple of months.  

EDIT on Monday morning: snow arrives this afternoon, through tonight and much of tomorrow. This could be mixed with ice pellets for a few hours overnight, so caution is advised. I am to meet two friends for breakfast in town in the morning, but we shall see if we may need to postpone. In the meantime, we are welcoming the loads of snow for tonight and tomorrow!

Monday later afternoon: It's already coming down thick and fast. If only it would stay cold following this storm, as it should here in January!  

After a brief cold spell, we're back in the warm El Nino pattern. It's been extremely foggy all week, with zero visibility at times in rural areas. The average high right now is 24F/-4C, but our nightly low temperatures have been warmer than that, and record highs approaching 50F/10C are expected next week.

Last year at this time we'd had close to 60 inches/1525mm of snow, but this year everything is missing us and we've had barely 10% of that amount. There is barely any snow on the ground and rain is in the forecast - normally unheard of here this time of year.