February 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 am by Bill Steffen under Bill's Blog, Weather
<–this graph is from the MKE NWS (click to enlarge). The top graph shows winter temperature in Milwaukee for the past 5 winters. Note the downward trend in temperature over the last four years. The bottom graph shows snowfall over the past 5 winters. The last column is snowfall for this winter, and it will continue to go up as we get more snow between now and when it ends for good in April. There is an upward trend in snow over the past several years. This year (as I talked about in my winter forecast, if you remember) we are getting a higher percentage of lake-effect snow and a lower percentage of synoptic snow. So that will mean that while Milwaukee gets above normal snowfall this winter, it won’t be higher relative to average snowfall as those of us downwind from Lake Michigan where we have been getting hammered with above average lake-effect snowfall.
I remember with the first big stir over global warming back in the early-mid 90s (Kyoto was 1997 – 12 years ago already) that some people told me to forget winter sports…it wasn’t going to snow that much anymore. Well, they were wrong (snowfall in Grand Rapids has been above normal this decade – we’ve just had thaws to melt it back most years and (this year excluded) we haven’t had the big piles that many of you remember from the late 1970s. I’ll say right now that we’re still going to have “winter”. It won’t always be as snowy as the past two winters and we will have warmer winters in-between…but don’t be afraid to get yourself into skiing, snowmobiling or other winter sports, because winter (and summer) will continue.
WOW! Yes, Bill does record snowfall look to continue for a few winters following this one? I do remember the big stir about global warming, many were wrong. It looks like we willl warm up some but it is going to be short lived? How about storm chances on the horizon?
Its suppose to be warmer this weekend again! WOOT WOOT!
I think that by this time next week the snow on the ground will pretty much be gone in the GR area. Still looks like a chance for a big rain storm around next Thursday too.
Seems like I’m always about 2-3 months ahead. In September and October I can’t wait for it to snow. Now in early February, I’m ready for spring weather.
ps. Say goodbye to Bill. The global warming thought police will be out soon to nab him.
okay so were migrating to this thread
Yes Tyler it looks that way. Michael do you really think that almost 2 feet of snowpack will be gone by next week Tuesday? Weren’t they only talking about 3-4 day warm up with temps in the 30s? You may be right! What about after that time frame, a week and a half to two weeks out? I know the farther out you go, less chance for accuracy. Especially this winter LOL! I’m still holding out some hope for one to two more decent synoptic snows before OLD MAN WINTER bites the dust. He is soon going to be competing with much more sun light with longer days.
The reason why I love Michigan, it’s because of it’s 4 seasons. I lived down in southern Alabama for 7 years back in the 90’s. They have some cold days, once in awhile snow/ice mix. Here in Michigan you can count on 4 seasons, some years are better than others. I told my wife today I am getting “cabin fever”. In a few weeks, it will be spring time.
Yup – Bill you are right, even as quoted in the Bible:
Genesis 8:22
“While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
Cold and heat,
Winter and summer,
And day and night
Shall not cease.”
Dan, I’ve only got about 8-10″ of snow on the ground at my house, and I ran my snowblower through the yard on Sunday and it’s all powder. There’s very little liquid in the snowpack at least on this side of town. Looks like highs will be at least in the low 40’s for highs this weekend with some rain.
My parents live over on by the Wyoming/Grandville border, and they do have a lot more snow on the ground than I do, so it may not all melt on that side of town.
Yo Michael G:
Please don’t worry about Bill S being picked up by the Kyoto ‘97 police….I’m in control of all things warming globally! Bill is safe and so is the world. I’ve changed my ways and now realize that global warming is a leftist fraud. So now that I’m a capitalist I will continue to sell carbon credits for the greater good and will extend my previous offer of planting 2 trees for every 1 carbon credit purchased. This offer will be extended, not to when the official GRR temperature reaches 40*F, or even 45*F, but 50*F!!! So don’t delay.
Mama Gore and Tipper say Hi!
Best to All,
Albert
Living where we do at about half way between the north pole and the equator we will always have a “winter” and it will be on the cold side and we will have (for the most part) a summer. Right now I cant wait for the warm up but we will have to get past the next couple of days where it will be cold..its now down to 13 here. and I agree with Michael g, most of the snow should be gone bu mid week next week..the big piles will still be here for some time to come but once the bulk of the snow is gone then winters “back” will be broken as soon the days will start getting much longer and the sun higher and in the sun the snow will melt even on cold days. I for one cant wait.
SlimJim
is that really al gore?
hmmmm